Kootenai River Run canceled; three BFHS graduates receive scholarships

BONNERS FERRY — The annual Kootenai River Run is canceled for this year, “in the spirit of social responsibility,” reported the Kootenai River Run committee.

Runners and event attendees will miss out on the camaraderie, entertainment and excitement of this anticipated yearly event, but in the spirit of helping local students with higher education costs, the run promoters have devised a way to continue this part of the tradition.

This year there were three qualified candidates for the Kootenai River Run’s $1,000 scholarship. The Run typically awards two scholarships each year and budgets for them. Shelman Realty contributed $1,500 to the scholarship to help out.

“We didn’t have a qualified candidate in 2019 to accept the new scholarship Shelman Realty offered,” said Paul Bonnell, a teacher at Bonners Ferry High School. “We’re especially excited to have three deserving students this year who can all be rewarded for their excellence in cross country and track and field as well as being stewards of this community.”

The yearly run has been instrumental in raising funds for local student scholarships in Bonners Ferry. This year, despite the cancellation, the organizers have found a way to offer three deserving students scholarships.

This year’s scholarship award winners are Austin Donn, Abigail Gorton, and Serenity Fahey.

“We could not be more proud of these three and their high school careers,” said Bonners Ferry High School cross country coach Tyler Warner. “ We knew going into this year that choosing scholarships out of this class would be difficult and we’re so happy that Shelman Realty was able to step in and help us support three deserving individuals.”

Donn is planning on studying welding with North Idaho College in the fall, he also has interest in machining and design. Gorton will be attending Lewis Clark State College this fall and will compete in cross country and track for the college, and Fahey will also attend Lewis Clark State College where she will enter a nursing program.

Warner continued praise of the three scholarship winners saying, “They work hard, do the little things well, listen, encourage, and always give their best in the classroom and in racing. They are good athletes, but even better people. BFHS distance running is in a better place for their participation these last four years and we know they’ll go on to greater things in their post-secondary education.”

“Next year’s race is going to be our best one yet,” said Jim Cadnum, race director. “We plan to advertise early and increase our participation by offering an even higher level of the fun our race has become known for, with bands along the course, merchant discounts in our race bags, and great prizes donated by our incredibly generous local business owners. We’ve got a few surprises in the works that we can’t disclose just yet.”

For more information visit the Kootenai River Run Facebook page or call 208-290-7039.