In a heartfelt initiative, students from Buchholz High School (BHS) in Gainesville are joining forces with the Howell family to raise funds for mental health support through the annual Stride Color Run. The event, organized by BHS’s professional development club DECA, is set to take place this Saturday morning, Nov. 11, at Trinity United Methodist Church.
The run serves as a tribute to the late Ryan Howell, a vibrant individual who loved skateboarding and cross-country running. Teresa Howell, Ryan’s mother, shares that during his senior year of high school, they observed changes in his behavior, leading to a diagnosis of schizophrenia at the age of 21. Tragically, in 2017 at the age of 22, Ryan decided he could no longer live with schizophrenia and took his own life.
To honor Ryan’s memory and address the stigma surrounding mental illness, the Howell family established the Ryan Howell Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship supports the Next Recovery program, enabling young people in Gainesville to access essential mental health care.
DECA co-president Luna Trujillo-Suarez emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health issues, stating, “Mental health is a real issue that not just a lot of teenagers face but a lot of people face.” The Stride Color Run, now in its annual iteration, plays a pivotal role in generating proceeds for the Ryan Howell Memorial Scholarship.
The event reflects a broader commitment by DECA students to engage in impactful projects throughout the year, including food and book drives and educational initiatives for younger students. The Color Run, open to the public, aims not only to raise funds but also to raise awareness about mental health challenges and the importance of providing support to affected individuals and their families.
Teresa Howell expresses her gratitude for the positive impact that these students have had on her family’s story, saying, “I’m so proud of the students for spreading the word that there is hope, there are options out there for care.” The event serves as a testament to the proactive efforts of the Buchholz High School community in addressing mental health issues and reducing the stigma associated with them.
For those interested in participating, the Stride Color Run begins at 9 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, with the opportunity to sign up before the 5K commences.
