RISE stands for Rebels Impact Through Service and Engagement and is a semester-long service-based learning project benefiting the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. All throughout the spring semester, hundreds of students at Vestavia Hills High School come together to raise money for RISE. The students plan various fundraising activities and events, one in particular being the Rebel Run. The Rebel Run consists of two parts: the Superhero Fun Run and the Color Run, and the event took place on Saturday, March 4.
The Superhero Fun Run is a one-mile race around the VHHS track catered to elementary school students. Each individual grade of students gathered together with multiple high school leaders and followed the warm up led by Supergirl (Elizabeth Gannon). Other superheroes featured at the event included the Flash (Alex Leath), Wonder Woman (Laruen Green), Captain Marvel (Amelia Clay), Superman (Chase Rose), and Batman (Jeb Balough). Each grade ran the one-mile race together and was met with shiny gold medals at the finish line. Kids even had the opportunity to race the Flash, who was extremely fitting for his role considering that Alex holds the number one time in his graduating class for the 800m dash in the United States.
Immediately following the Superhero Fun Run was the 5k Color Run. Just before runners tossed hundreds of bags of paint in the air to kick off the run, VHHS Principle Mrs. Rozell gave an encouraging speech to set the tone for the crowd. After being dusted with paint, the participants moved to the starting line and were released to run by the well-known retired VHHS football coach Mr. Buddy Anderson. All throughout the course, participants were met by various color stations where student volunteers tossed paint powder to make the run extra colorful. These volunteers certainly helped to motivate the runners with their encouraging words and uplifting music. The strength of the Vestavia Hills community was featured on the course as a Vestavia resident and his two children offered free lemonade to runners to fuel them to finish strong. Other Vestavia residents sat in their yards along the course and cheered on runners while also playing motivational music.
Through both the Superhero Fun Run and the Color Run, the students at Vestavia Hills High School certainly served their community in a unique way. Not only did they raise funds for an incredible local cause, but they also united the community of Vestavia Hills through their willing and positive Rebel spirit. The Rebel Run 2023 will certainly not be forgotten.
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