Fifth Annual 5K Run Raises Money for Hightstown High School After Prom

The fifth annual will be held Sunday, and helps raise money for the Hightstown High School After Prom party.

The race is named after Keith Berman’s daughter, Stephanie Berman, who was tragically killed in an accident in 2000. Stephanie, 16, was a junior at Hightstown High School and lived in East Windsor.

“This race gives kids a chance to go somewhere, get them off the streets after the prom and helps to combat underage drinking,” Berman said.

Hightstown High School Principal Alix Arvizu said there is a true positive from the race - raising money to help keep kids safe after prom.

“Anything that brings awareness and that helps keep kids safe is important,” Arvizu said. “The fact that it honors Stephanie is wonderful. I can’t imagine losing a child and the family is turning their loss into something positive and keeping children safe. The Berman family is very generous with their annual scholarship fund. It is admirable.”

Berman said the success of the race, which drew approximately 125 people last year, is more than just one person’s efforts.

“More and more people have been taking part in the race and attending,” Berman said. “There has been more awareness each year, especially through the school. This is about the kids, the school and the community.”

Arvizu said that there are 340 seniors at Hightstown High School, and if history repeats itself, a majority of them will attend the post-prom party June 1. She said that the kids that do attend will be in for a real treat.

“The after-prom program is one night of complete fun and indulgence for kids,” Arvizu said. “There are games, the kids decorate and you wouldn’t even know that you were in Hightstown High School. There are door prizes and they give away computers, digital cameras and all the things that kids may need for college. And they have all kinds of wonderful food.”

Five years ago, Berman and his ex-wife, Mara Stahl, created the 5K run in honor of their daughter. Putting the race together took time but said he feels he truly accomplished something.

“None of it was easy,” Berman said. “I do it because I think it’s the right thing to do. I tried to do something that was negative and make it positive. When a tragedy strikes a family, the healing is difficult. The pain always stays with you. I’ve found the strength to do something positive, so I think it’s a good thing when someone can do something to help others out.”

Berman said he remembers his daughter as a vibrant young teen who loved field hockey, music and working with younger children at day camp. She died in a car accident 11 years ago, but he said keeps her legacy going with the help of the community, and her legacy grows each and every year.

Berman and Stahl also setup a scholarship fund five years ago, which awards a field hockey player who excels in her studies. Each year a student is awarded $500.

Race registration begins at 8 a.m. at on Sunday and the race starts at 10 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.stephanie5krun.org.