The “Carl Waclawik 5-K Student Faculty” Run – By Hayden Athey

Every year St. John’s College High School in Washington, DC sponsors a 5K run in memory of Carl Waclawik of Gaithersburg, MD.  In November of 2007, Carl, who was a sophomore student, athlete, and friend of the St. John’s College High School community, passed away in his sleep.  As a way to remember their friend, in the days after his death, students posted their memories, notes, pictures, and simple things that reminded them of Carl on his locker and the school’s bulletin boards.  However, the students wanted to do more. Since Carl was a on the school’s cross-country team,  the students and St. John’s faculty, along with Coach Sheehy, the cross-country coach, started an annual run to remember and honor Carl.

This 5K Run is a commemoration of their lost friend.  While some faculty and students do take a slower pace, it is a competitive run through Rock Creek Park in September.    Even Alumni of St. John’s join either the race or come as spectators to watch the run.  The St. John’s community provides a post-race gathering which includes music and food donated by the parents, SJC President, and the Chevy Chase Supermarket.  Approximately 200 participants attended the September 29, 2011 race and Phil Waclawik, Carl’s father, as has been his tradition since the run has begun, again started the race. As a reminder of the event throughout the year, the school has placed a plaque in the gym lobby area acknowledging past winners of the race.  Congratulations go out to the 2011 winners, senior Mary Margaret Sheridan and sophomore Tommy Reese.

St. John’s loss, years later, is still strong.  It is the hope of those in the St. John’s community and who participate in the event will continue to raise awareness and support for both the school and the Waclawik  family.