Blue Streak Run raises scholarship dollars; collects coats, hats and gloves for Meridian district residents‏

STILLWATER, Okla. – More than 150 runners, walkers and supporters of Meridian Technology Center participated in today’s Blue Streak run, a 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun run benefiting the school’s Foundation.

The female and male winners of the Blue Streak Run 5K are Erin Megna and Andrew Fullerton. Phil Kenkel, won first place for the males in the 10K and Sissi Carroll won first place for the females.

“While all of the contestants are champions for crossing the finish line, the real winners are the students at Meridian who will benefit from today’s event,” said Blue Streak coordinator Alane Zannotti.

In addition to lacing up for a good caused this year runners were encouraged to “Layer Up and Leave It” by bringing a new or gently used coat, hat and gloves to donate as they ran along the race route.

“Runners layered up with these items as they started the race and then left items along the race route,” said Alane Zannotti, race coordinator and Director of Community Development and Extension. “The Foundation partnered with Meridian’s student organizations to arrange the donation of these items to agencies throughout the Meridian district to help keep residents warm during the winter months. With this new element, runners and Meridian students had a chance to make a positive impact.”

The Meridian Technology Center Foundation assists in the advancement of educational and training opportunities for students attending the school. Last year the foundation awarded more than $35,000 in scholarships to students.

MTC is a career and technology training center located in Stillwater, Okla. The center has more than 70 career majors and offers a wide variety of evening short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Meridian also offers services to businesses in need of training and development. Each year approximately 11,000 students come to Meridian from all areas of business and industry.