Ossining MATTERS raised more than $37,000 during its 22nd Annual 5K/2M Run-Walk for Education on Saturday, September 5, bringing together approximately 300 participants for a morning dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for students throughout the Ossining School District.
The 2026 event marked another record-setting year for the foundation, building on the success of last year’s race, which raised more than $30,000 and attracted more than 240 participants. The continued growth reflects the strong support of local families, businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who come together each year to invest in Ossining’s students.
Adding a special hometown connection to this year’s event, both overall race winners were Ossining High School students. On the men’s side, Ossining High School student Emory Scheck captured the overall title with an impressive finish time of 18:48, averaging a 6:03-per-mile pace. Kaya Wallace, also an Ossining High School student, was the overall female winner, finishing in 22:10 with a 7:08-per-mile pace. Their accomplishments highlighted the talent of Ossining’s student-athletes and made for a memorable hometown showing at this year’s Run-Walk.
Participants enjoyed a morning filled with energy, community spirit, music, food, and fun. DJ Johnny G helped keep the crowd energized, while dedicated community and school volunteers assisted with registration, refreshments, water stations, course support, and other event activities.
“This year’s Run-Walk was an incredible demonstration of what happens when our community comes together for our students,” said Caroline Turner, Vice President of Ossining MATTERS and Race Chair. “Raising more than $37,000 and welcoming approximately 300 participants is an amazing accomplishment. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who registered, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or helped spread the word. Their support makes it possible for Ossining MATTERS to continue funding innovative opportunities for students that might otherwise not be possible.”
Funds raised through the Run-Walk will directly support innovative programs, classroom resources, and educational experiences across the Ossining School District. Recent Ossining MATTERS-supported projects include new science equipment, calming spaces, book repair equipment, fitness center upgrades and physical education equipment, as well as opportunities for students to participate in robotics competitions, Science Olympiad, Business Club competitions, environmental education aboard the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, and other enrichment programs.
Ossining MATTERS extends its sincere gratitude to the businesses, organizations, community partners, and individuals whose generous support helped make this year’s event possible, including Title Sponsor Jate, Inc.; Gold Sponsor Palisades Fuel; Silver Sponsors Open Door Care Network, The College of Westchester, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, and White Plains Hospital; Supporter Sponsors Club Fit Briarcliff and Johnny G Productions; Mile Marker Sponsors Robison Oil, Arris Contracting, and DEC Office Solutions; Trail Marker Sponsors MCCG, The Hillary Homes Team at Compass and Yarden Ronen-van Heerden, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, UMAC of Briarcliff, Matthew Valvano Real Estate, Ossining PAL, Westchester County Legislator Emilijana Ulaj, Riverside Podiatry/Dr. Martin McGrath, and Miller McCurry; and Small Business Sponsors Anytime Fitness, Cynthia Small/Pampered Chef, Guardhill Financial, Rey Insurance, Wren and Maida LLP, School of Rock in Briarcliff, Kiddie Academy, Briarcliff Strength Training, Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry, and Westchester Stationery. Additional support came from Friends of Ossining MATTERS and members of the community, as well as our valued Community Partners, The Center at Mariandale and DJ Johnny G, whose support and energy helped make this year’s event a tremendous success.
Ossining MATTERS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Education Foundation established in 2003. Its mission is to support and enrich learning opportunities for all children in the Ossining School District by providing funding for innovative projects and educational experiences that extend beyond traditional school district budget allocations.