WESTWOOD, N.J. — Westwood Regional Middle School students, staff, and local first responders will team up Thursday, June 4, for the school’s inaugural Student Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics New Jersey.
The one-mile run, set for 2 p.m., is planned as a student-centered prelude to the official Law Enforcement Torch Run the following day. Organizers say the event is meant to give students a direct role in supporting Special Olympics New Jersey while celebrating inclusion, school spirit and community partnership.
The afternoon will begin at 1:45 p.m. with a school-wide “clap-out,” as students cheer on the runners from inside the building. Students from the school’s Connect program are expected to hand off the ceremonial torch before runners leave from the middle school’s rear entrance on Second Avenue.
Participants are expected to include nominated members of the Westwood Middle School track team, staff and community members. The run is being organized by Melissa Martone, a Westwood Regional Middle School English language arts special education teacher and avid runner, and Officer Danielle Neuberger, the Westwood Police Department’s LEAD officer.
Westwood and Township of Washington police, fire and ambulance personnel are expected to support the run, with emergency vehicles accompanying participants along a secure one-mile loop around the school.
The route starts at the middle school’s back entrance on Second Avenue, continues to Mill Street and Third Avenue, passes the middle school toward Meadow Road, and concludes at the baseball field.
Students are expected to welcome the runners back at approximately 2:30 p.m.
The school’s atrium also will feature a display of paper torches representing donations to Special Olympics New Jersey.
Westwood Regional Middle School is at 23 Third St. The event is rain or shine.