Elayne Bishop Love Run: Raising Awareness One Step at a Time

Julian Martin and Janie Beach-Verhey, sophomores, and Sophie Parker, freshman, running in the Love Run 5k. Photo creds: Natalie Fitch, Watauga Yearbook

Watauga High School recently hosted its annual Love Run 5k in loving remembrance of a former teacher, Elayne Bishop, who passed away in 2019 after battling breast cancer. WHS Student Council works hard to honor her energetic spirit and raise money for the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation, a local organization assisting in fighting and raising awareness for breast cancer.

Bishop embodied the vibrant traits of an excellent teacher, mentor, and friend. Always eager to lend a compassionate hand, she was able to enrich the lives of an entire community through her genuine kindness toward others. In honor of her lasting impact and love for those around her, the Love Run is held annually at WHS during the month of February to remember and cherish the light that Bishop emitted in our community. 

Bailey Collins, sophomore, was a key figure in planning and organizing the event. Collins is the sophomore class president and a member of the council’s Community Committee. She is pleased with the widespread support for the race from a large number of donors and participants. 

“The community supports this event in multiple ways. The first way is that we have people from the community come and participate in the event,” said Council. “Another way the community supports us through this event is by providing us with volunteers to set up the course, help us get participants' times as they cross the finish line, and provide us with some of the supplies that we need. The community has also supported the event by allowing us to hang up posters around town.”

Ginger Powell and Ella Powell, freshman, enjoying the 5K with their family’s puppy. Photo creds: Natalie Fitch, Watauga Yearbook

The 2024 Love Run was largely successful in terms of fundraising and raised almost $1000 for the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation. 

“The Love Run supports the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation which also has its own 5k in October,” said Council. “Each person who signs up pays us $10 and all of our proceeds go to the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation. This year we raised a little over $900.”

The Love Run is held in hopes of calling attention to breast cancer and the struggles it causes locally and on a large scale. This year, the event welcomed a generous number of participants and donors. As the event grows, WHS Student Council hopes that it will further provide assistance to those affected by breast cancer.

“I am happy to say that the turnout this year was a total of 28 people. Last year, we had 30 participants, but it was also very cold the day we held the Love Run this year. So, due to the circumstances, this was a successful event,” said Collins. “We are hoping to continue to reach more of the community in the years to come as we make this an annual Student Council event.”