A Burrell High School senior is hoping to capitalize on the success of an event last fall that boosted not only people’s mental health, but their physical well-being as well.

Grace Nesko, 18, will be hosting a 5K wellness run and walk June 1 at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.

The 5K is for runners and walkers of all abilities, Nesko said. People can register online for $25, which includes a T-shirt. Participants can also sign up the morning of the event for $15 (not including a T-shirt). To preregister, visit runsignup.com and search for “Lower Burrell.”

It’s the second such event Nesko is coordinating. She put together another run/walk in August.

Last year’s event exceeded expectations, she said. Sixty-one people participated in the race, and more than $2,000 was raised.

“We’re hoping to build on that momentum,” she said.

“Running has always been an important part of my life. I was injured last year, and to stay involved with the sport, I planned this 5K.”

Nesko is working with The JED Foundation for the upcoming event. The foundation protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults in the United States.

“They’re aligned with the goals I want for mental health,” Nesko said.

She said she knows many people who have struggled with mental health, including herself. Having the event and donating proceeds to a mental health foundation helps to destigmatize mental health, she said.

Adee Shepen, JED’s chief development officer, said he was inspired by Nesko’s passion to raise awareness around youth mental health and engage her community by doing so.

“One of the key tenets of JED’s vision is a future where our communities support the emotional well-being and mental health of teens and young adults,” Shepen said. “Events like Grace’s are an important part of the effort to educate members of the community at large so they can be part of the support system for teens and young adults.”

After graduating from Burrell, Nesko will attend Shippensburg University to study psychology and run cross-country and track and field. She intends to pursue a career in the FBI.

Nesko taught younger Burrell students how to organize the event so they can continue hosting the run while she is at Shippensburg.

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