As National Make a Difference Day rounds the corner the community is preparing to do just that. This Saturday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m. the seventh annual Race for Books will take place at Ouachita’s cross country track.
Students in the education department at both Ouachita and Henderson State University sponsor this event. The Ouachita Student Education Association (OSEA) has organized Race for Books since the first race in 2001. With help from sponsors such as the Elrod Center for Family and Community, OSEA holds a 5K run/walk to raise money for children’s books.
“More books in the hands of children equals more reading which equals literacy development,” said Dr. Margo Turner, associate professor of education. “We actually can change a child’s life.”
Over 1,000 books have been raised and distributed amongst children in the community through schools’ classroom libraries, Clark County Library, the library at the Community Family Enrichment Center and Head Start, a program that prepares children for school.
This year’s Race for Books is unique in two ways. First, it is in honor of Mrs. Mary Nell Clay, the principal at Central Primary School.
“Mrs. Clay has made a huge difference in this community and is battling some health issues,” Turner said. “We wanted to celebrate her work and love by giving books to local children. She will begin our race this Saturday and will be there to see all the fun.”
Secondly, the race is being organized by the new Program Design and Management class taught by Dr. Mike Reynolds, associate professor of kinesiology and leisure studies.
“The purpose of the class is to learn how to construct, organize and manage a program,” Reynolds said. “And the best way to learn is to conduct a program.”
The class is divided into three groups to handle publicity, public relations and the race. Although this is the first year for this class to help out, Reynolds has participated in the Race for Books for three years.
Running or walking is not the only way to support Race for Books. Monetary donations and books are accepted. However, for those staying in Arkadelphia over the weekend, attending the Race for Books is a worthy use of one’s time.
“It is going to be a beautiful Saturday morning and will only take an hour or so,” Turner said. “We are giving away some great door prizes.”
According to Turner, the race is helpful for the runners and for the children.
“Running or walking is great for bodies and brains – and fun! Most importantly, helping others is always the right thing to do.”
