April 2, 2026
By Alyssa Zelaya
Staff Writer
Eight students laced up their running shoes for charity, participating in the 15th Annual Shamrock ‘N’ Run 5K at Memorial Park in Rutherford on March 14. The race, which was organized by choir director Ms. Wise and her aunt Marilyn Cassidy, was held in honor of Wise’s uncle Michael Cassidy, who died in 2011 at the age of 56 due to a malignant brain tumor.
Over $10,000 in proceeds from the event, which included 438 runners, went to the National Brain Tumor Society.
Wise said the run was an appropriate way to honor her uncle because he was passionate about biking, hiking and running. During his 33-year career in the Rutherford Public School District, he worked as a middle school social studies teacher, high school assistant principal and high school football coach.
“An outdoor event like this, for the cause that it benefits, brings the community together more than most other events are capable of.”
“My uncle is the reason I became an educator,” Wise said. “He was one of the friendliest, kindest, outgoing [and] loved educators in the town of Rutherford.”
She said her favorite part of the event was watching the runners make their way up the first hill.
“You get a good view up the first quarter mile, and they fill up the entire quarter mile,” Wise said. “Every year, it’s just that sigh of, ‘Wow, this is really a worthy cause, and look how many people are coming out for it.’”
English teacher Mrs. Ruiz, who donated to the event, said she came out to cheer on her husband, a runner, and support Wise and her aunt.
“Ms. Wise is my best friend, and obviously, it’s something that’s really important to her, so it’s important to me,” Ruiz said.
She said she was glad to support Wise at this annual event.
“Just seeing how much work that she puts into doing this and to help her is amazing,” Ruiz said.
Senior Joseph Brennen, who ran the 5K and performed the Irish folk song “Danny Boy” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” with 11 other chorale members, directed by Wise, said he enjoyed the event.
“It feels rewarding to be part of an event like this,” Brennen said. “I put myself through something extremely difficult, but I did so for the benefit of people who have to go through something much more difficult.”
He said he liked the feeling of unity at the Shamrock ‘N’ Run.
“An outdoor event like this, for the cause that it benefits, brings the community together more than most other events are capable of,” Brennen said.
Junior Anthony Andrews, who also ran and performed with the chorale at the event, said participating in the 5K was challenging but worthwhile.
“It was a very new experience, [and] I do like trying new things out,” Andrews said.
He said he appreciated the encouraging atmosphere at the event.
“As you reached checkpoints, the people there were [giving] directions [to] us. They were so supportive,” Andrews said.
He said it felt good to run for charity.
“I hope that it helps with brain tumor research and maybe finding a cure. Hopefully, they’ll raise enough awareness for there to be advances made in that field,” said Andrews.
