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Reality Check Honors Sean’s Run

October 11, 2007 – A group of Chatham High School students from the anti-smoking youth organization “Reality Check” honored Sean’s Run during the Annual recognition Dinner sponsored by the Rip Van Winkle Tobacco-Free Coalition, held at the Columbia Golf and Country Club in Claverack. The students recognized Sean’s Run for taking the position and passing a resolution to never accept support from tobacco companies.

The presentation was made by students Ryan Nightingale, Livia Clandorf, Sarah Hanlon and Pian Pian Xu.

The following is the text of Ryan Nightingale’s presentation:

“Our first sponsorship award goes to SEAN’S RUN from Chatham, NY.

Sean’s Run is an annual community event that raises awareness about the problems of underage drinking and impaired driving.

It is named in tribute to Sean Patrick French, a 17 year old high school junior, honor roll student, community volunteer and record-setting athlete at Chatham High School, who lost his life as a passenger in a drunk driving car crash. This is an individual who really loved his community; and was really loved by his community.

Every time I run the cross country course I can’t help but notice that the words “Go Sean, Go!” and “Run Sean, you’re great!” are painted on the trees all over the course. This reminds me that truly great people like Sean can be victims of the destructive force of drugs.

REALITY CHECK would like to thank the Sean’s Run Board of Directors, especially Mark French, Jeff French, and Shari Franks, for their support in making Sean’s Run a Tobacco-Free community event. We would also like to thank everyone involved in the planning and execution of Sean’s Run as it is such a unique and remarkable event.

I’ve personally had the pleasure of participating in Sean’s Run since its first year and I can tell you, it’s a great time.

Reality Check was honored to have a group of youth runners participating this year and we look forward to an even greater presence next April.

On behalf of Reality Check, I would like to congratulate the Sean’s Run Board of Director’s for their continued commitment to the teens of our community.”