On Sunday, December 3, several Williston students and faculty participated in the 14^th Annual Hot Chocolate Run charity event for Safe Passage, an organization that battles domestic violence.

Williston has a strong history of attending this event; students, faculty, and even alums and parents participate. Overall, this event drew around 6,000 participants to Northampton for the road race on a chilly December morning.

Ms. Talbot-Syfu, coach of the boy’s cross-country team, has run in the Hot Chocolate Run for at least 10 years and loves it. “This is one of the best community events in the valley,” she said. “The event definitely felt bigger than it’s been in the past. The energy was so positive and that always fuels my running!”

This is the first year that Ms. Talbot-Syfu did not drive students to the event, but she still saw many familiar faces. “There are plenty of Williston faculty, staff and students that have been supportive of this cause and enjoy going out to it every year,” she said. “It’s always nice to catch up with them after the race and have some hot chocolate.”

Others participated and focused on raising money for Safe Passage. Senior Mika Sovjani ran with her dad and raised over $200. Overall, this event raised $615,000, with some individuals raising more than $10,000. The event has grown significantly. In its inception 14 years ago, runners raised a total of $6,000.

Safe Passage, a Hampshire County Organization, was founded in 1977, and has “helped thousands of families achieve safety, build justice, and rebuild their lives in the wake of domestic violence,” according to the Safe Passage website. Donors and supporters are critical to their work.

Mika enjoyed her first Hot Chocolate Run. “I did it because my dad signed me up and told me about the background of Safe Passage and how we can help these people escape dangerous situation,” said Mika. “I hate running but I knew I would feel better after doing it, and it felt so good after to know that by just running a 5K, I could help a greater cause.”

Despite being for a serious cause, the run has a very happy atmosphere. DJ Poulin ’19 ran for the second time and raised $70. He loves the spirit. “People dress up and really get into it; at the end, I followed a reindeer across the finish line,” he said.

Ms. Motyka, Williston’s Coordinator of Student Services, also enjoyed herself. “The hot chocolate run was so much fun,” she said. “It is a festive and supportive environment and cause. And everyone wears red which makes me so happy.”