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Published: Friday, Mar. 01, 2013 / Updated: Friday, Mar. 01, 2013 12:05 PM

Comenius School 5K is fundraiser for mission trips to Israel and the Philippines

FORT MILL TOWNSHIP -- 

On March 9 at 9 a.m., the Comenius School for Creative Leadership will be hosting The Final Quest 5K to raise money for mission trips to Israel and the Philippines. The race will begin and end in the school’s parking lot at 8160 Regent Parkway, and there will also be a half-mile fun run.

“This is our first 5K,” said Sandy Woods, the school’s principal. “We wanted to do something that was fun, promoted good health, and involved the community. There aren’t many races in Fort Mill, so we decided to go with a 5K.”

Though this is the school’s first 5K event, students and staff are confident the public will support it.

“Once you run a 5K, you’re hooked,” Woods said. “I ran my first race when one of my students, a tenth grader, asked me to help her run for a cause, Mercy Ministries, which helps young women. It was a blast!”

Runners can register online for age group races at thefinalquest5K.com. The registration fee is $20. “Virtual runners” can register for $25. Both types of runners receive an event T-shirt. All proceeds will benefit student trips to The Philippines and Israel.

“The Philippines trip is a unique six-week opportunity open to tenth and eleventh grade students who want to experience a Third World culture,” Woods said. “We work with Global Impact in Davao City. Our students train with other Filipino students to work summer camps for Filipino children. They also do some area mission work such as educating residents about gardening, performing skits on Biblical themes, and visiting tribal people groups in remote areas.”

Students going to Israel will get to see the sights they learn about in the Christian-based curriculum at the Comenius School.

“There are two trips to Israel. Both groups tour Tel Aviv, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, Masada, and of course, Jerusalem. They even meet with a woman who works in refugee camps in Gaza. The [MorningStar] University students are planning to do some relief work with her,” said Woods.

After almost a year of research and planning, the students and faculty at the Comenius School for Creative Leadership and its partner church, MorningStar Ministries, are hoping for a large turnout and an opportunity to educate the public on their spiritual endeavors. Students have also raised money for the trips through service projects, fundraisers, and personal employment.

“We are hoping that many area runners will come and join us,” said Woods. “Both trips are taking a lot of planning, but they are worth it. The kids come back with such an appreciation for America and a heart for service.”

For more information, go to thefinalquest5k.com.