YISS Unites to Make Oak Tree Run a Runaway Success
On a chilly Saturday morning, November 11, the YISS soccer field was ablaze with the spirit of nearly 200 enthusiastic participants who braved freezing temperatures to participate in the 2023 Oak Tree Run. This impressive turnout comprised parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends gathering bright and early to demonstrate their wholehearted support for the Oak Tree Project. This meaningful initiative serves as a scholarship and mentoring program for the orphans of South Korea.
John-Michael Becker, the Founder and Executive Director of the Oak Tree Project, shed light on the challenges faced by orphans in Korea when they turn 18, emphasizing that they often age out of orphanages. Without a family and little support, many fall into depression, debt, and different traps of society. Many who manage to get into college struggle with debt and drop out due to the tuition and living expenses. The Oak Tree Project, since its inception in 2013, has been a beacon of hope, offering scholarships and mentorship to guide these young individuals toward a brighter future. Over the years, the project has positively impacted the lives of 91 students, with 42 successfully graduating from college.
During the opening, Headmaster Sean Garrick expressed his appreciation for Mr. Becker and his team's work and presented him a check symbolizing the donations made by YISS community members. Mr. Garrick conveyed his joy at the community’s outpouring of support, raising a total of ₩12,160,000 for two scholarships, which aligns with God’s reminder for us to look after the orphans and the fatherless.
The YISS community has actively supported the Oak Tree Run for several years. When unforeseen scheduling issues led to the cancellation of the run at Olympic Park, the YISS PTO, school administrators, and the Giving Thanks Club swiftly organized the Oak Tree Run on campus. Registration, initiated in late September, gained momentum through a mid-October rally led by varsity cheerleaders under the guidance of Coach Melanie Roberts and Coach Roneve Sarao. High School Principal Mr. Jeff Marquis added a dynamic touch with his "OTR Challenge," contributing an extra amount for every high school student or faculty member participating in the race. His challenge added ₩210,000 for the 32 HS students and a dozen HS staff members, plus an additional ₩50,000 on behalf of the cheerleading team who braved the cold to cheer for the entire event! Such incredible support enabled the community to surpass its original fundraising target of ₩10,000,000.
Through a concerted effort, YISS was able to bring FUN into FUNdraising! Student volunteers led by Lydia R. (11), president of the Giving Thanks Club, packed snack packs for the runners and served as race marshalls for the event. The dedicated efforts of HS Principal Jeff Marquis, MS Chaplain Greg Atkinson, former PE Faculty Terri Atkinson, MS TEV Faculty Sara Dwight, and the varsity cross country team ensured the course was ready a day before the run. In addition to sponsoring the snack packs, the PTO prepared a huge pot of freshly made odeng soup to offer warmth and nourishment to runners after the run. Parent and staff volunteers also braved the cold to ensure the run went smoothly.
Participants of all ages successfully completed either the 2.5 km or 5 km courses, and the joy on their faces attested to the fulfillment of engaging in a worthy cause. In the end, the Oak Tree Run at YISS proved that giving for a good cause not only warms the heart but brings a sense of happiness that transcends the chilly temperatures of the day!
