KEYS to host 33rd Annual Run Walk

The KEYS Scholarship Inc, is preparing to host their 33rd Annual KEYS 5k Run/Walk. The event will take place on October 11 at 11 a.m. starting at the Kewaskum High School.

KEYS, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1985 to accept contributions to provide scholarships for Kewaskum High School graduates. Since their establishment, they have been able to award over $3.7 million in academic scholarships to over 700 Kewaskum graduates. All donations that KEYS receives are used to directly fund educational scholarships for Kewaskum High School students.

They have worked hard to grow the program, the first KEYS scholarship in 1986 was worth $500. Bishop said, “the KEYS board works very hard to be the best stewards of all donations and memorial gifts. This is only possible because of the generous community members who believe in investing in the future generations of Kewaskum students.”

The community gathers around the cause with Bishop saying,  “I love to see the community come together to run, walk, and even cheer on friends and family. We see a lot of repeat racers and my favorite part is talking with former KEYS scholarship recipients each year.” This year, the organization was able to secure 61 sponsors for the race.

They are currently pushing 300 individuals registered for the event, more than what they had at this time last year. Kristy Bishop, KEYS member, said, “It’s not unusual that Homecoming and the KEYS 5K occur on the same weekend. KHS students amaze me with their ability to balance school work, jobs, clubs, athletics, homecoming events and many of them are participating in the KEYS 5K with others volunteering to make it happen.”

Packet pickup will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. There will be a warmup for participants led by Gaining Grit starting at 10:30 a.m. and the race is set to begin at 11 a.m. The Kewaskum Booster Club will have their concession stand open after the race for participants to refuel. Those interested can still register for the race through the signup link on the keys-scholarships.org website.