Dr. Annette Griffin Superintendent of Schools March 2008 en Español

Kacie’s Run: Benefiting C-FB ISD Special Olympics Athletes
A Living Testimony to An R. L. Turner Graduate

I am proud to be the superintendent of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. During my ten years here, I have met so many wonderful students and parents. They along with the educational team make C-FB ISD a truly great school system.

An upcoming event that touches so many, many lives is the annual R. L. Turner Kacie Brekhus Memorial Run or Kacie’s Run. Kacie’s Run which benefits our C-FB ISD Special Olympics Team involves a wonderful C-FB ISD family – the Brekhus family.

The Brekhus Family has been truly touched that the run has been named the R. L. Turner Kacie Brekhus Memorial Run. The family believes the run honors Kacie's memory. The family serves as the run’s title and presenting sponsor.

“Mel and I wholeheartedly support this event that honors and recognizes Kacie’s involvement in this worthwhile endeavor," said Candi Brekhus. Candi has also told me that people don’t have to walk or run to support this event. She and Mel just come out on the day of the run and visit with the runners and walkers because it’s a wonderful cause.

The 2008 Kacie’s Run is Sat., April 19 at Tommy Standridge Stadium on Valwood Parkway in Carrollton. Events include a 1 Mile Family Run/Walk and 5K Run. The 5K Run includes Champion Chip Timing conducted by RunOn! (www.runontexas.com). Early registration fees are $20 for the 5K Run and $15 for the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. We are also accepting $10 donations if you just want to support the cause and get a fabulous t-shirt.

The 2008 fundraising goal is $20,000, which benefits our district’s Special Olympics athletes, the All Stars. These funds will allow all eligible students to participate at no cost. The average annual cost for an individual athlete to participate in the track and field and bowling events is about $130.

This event is still organized by R. L. Turner High School students and teachers. Mary Mahaffey, R. L. Turner Special Education teacher, serves as the teacher coordinator. Ms. Mahaffey worked on the project when she and Kacie attended R. L. Turner. Ms. Mahaffey also is seeking run sponsors. Sponsorships run from $1,800 to $500.

You can find details about Kacie’s Run by visiting the district’s website at www.cfbisd.edu and looking for the Kacie’s Run page. You can also register online at www.runontexas.com. You can also call R. L. Turner High School for information at 972-968-5400 or 972-968-6100 (the district’s Administration Building).

Kacie’s Run, first began as the R. L. Turner Torch Run in 1999. And, in the beginning the run benefited Texas Special Olympics. As a R. L. Turner freshman, Kacie Brekhus became involved in the Torch Run. She was a member of the 2000, 2001, 2002 Torch Run Committee. As a RLT 2003 senior Kacie was the Torch Run Coordinator.

While a freshman at The University of Texas at Austin, Kacie died in a traffic accident in October 2003. The 2004 event was renamed to honor her memory. That year, proceeds benefited a teacher grant in Kacie’s name through the C-FB ISD Educational Foundation. In 2006 and 2007, the run benefited the C-FB ISD Special Olympics Team.

Special Olympics is such a wonderful program. I know firsthand because I began my educational career in Special Education. I am so thankful that the proceeds from Kacie’s Run now supports our All Stars. It was in 1999, that C-FB ISD first formed its team. That year, we had 16 athletes. Today, we have over 140 students on our All Stars Team. And, like so many other programs, our Special Olympics team has become a model for other districts.

Kacie’s Run reminds me of a resolution that the Board of Trustees adopted almost 12 years ago. That resolution was the outcome of the work a committee of parents, high school students, community members, teachers and administrators to identify character values that the members believed were cornerstones of our community and our nation.

They are:

• service
• cooperation
• responsibility
• respect
• pride
• integrity
• citizenship.

Our district is known as an innovative leader in learning because C-FB ISD goes beyond the standard academics. Not only do we want our students to graduate college-ready, but we also want them to understand “what counts” as they prepare for a world unlike one we have ever known.

I thank the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District for believing in public education. I also admire families like the Brekhus family who continue to support the schools and give to the children. I encourage everyone in our community to come out on April 19 and be a part of Kacie’s Run.

You don’t have to walk or run – just come and say “HI!” to Mel and Candi Brekhus and help us make a difference for our All Stars.

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