DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) marked another successful year of community spirit and inclusion with its 4th Annual Summer Sendoff 5K and 1-Mile Run, an event that united more than 260 participants in support of local student programs.
Organized by the Summer Sendoff Student Committee, composed of Downingtown High School East (DHSE) Cross Country and Track and Field athletes, the event raised $2,500 to benefit the DHSE Best Buddies chapter, Unified Sports team, Special Olympics, and Best Buddies Pennsylvania. Best Buddies fosters one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting a culture of inclusion across schools and communities.
Senior Jude Stulak, who has helped organize the event since its inception, said the Summer Sendoff “brings people together—teammates, families, and community members—all supporting something bigger than ourselves.” Other student leaders noted the event’s growing impact, calling it a powerful example of teamwork and leadership development.
Community-driven events like the Summer Sendoff help strengthen social ties across the Downingtown area, teaching students the value of empathy, initiative, and civic engagement while directly supporting inclusive programs that make a lasting difference.
The Downingtown Summer Sendoff continues to exemplify how student leadership and local collaboration can turn athletic competition into a force for community good.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.