By Ruhaan Keote
The Prowler Sports Editor
The front lawn of Bridgewater-Raritan High School was filled with color, laughter, and a sense of purpose on Sunday, June 7, when Robotics Team 303 staged its fourth annual Color Run in collaboration with the Charlie Schulz Foundation.
The event drew participants of different ages for a morning of fun and inclusivity, featuring a variety of STEAM activities and booths.
The festive event honors Charlie Schulz, a transgender alumnus of Robotics Team 303 and a 2018 graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School. Schulz was a passionate LGBTQIA+ and human justice advocate who was remembered by those who knew him as an inspiration.
Schulz passed away in February 2019 at the age of 19 while studying at The College of New Jersey.
The Charlie Schulz Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by his family in his memory, determined to support those facing mental health challenges and those who are LGBTQIA+.
Sophia Mendez, a key organizer of this year's event, opened with thoughtful remarks and set the tone for the morning.
“Each year, we have seen more and more participants, and this year was the largest group we have ever seen,” she said.
Sophia then introduced Charlie Schulz’s parents, Elizabeth Fagan-Schulz and Wynn Schulz, who each delivered messages to the crowd.
“Our world so badly needs more inclusiveness. That’s why I know Charlie would be very happy to see everybody gather here today,” Wynn Schulz shared to the crowd.
A key piece of the event was to carry out the Charlie Schulz Foundation’s annual mission, namely its scholarship program. Serving as the main output of the organization’s donations received, two $1,500 awards were given to students who are LGBTQIA+ advocates and have personal experience with mental health challenges, either their own or someone close to them.
This year, Carla Sanchez was a recipient who received the scholarship at the event.
Following the speeches, the color run began, in which students, parents and other generous community members covered a total of 5000 meters around the school. Some walked, while others jogged or ran, though bright colored powder was thrown at all of them to dye their shirts.
Each attendee of the event wore a white shirt with a “Charlie Run” graphic, which Robotics Team 303 members used their own custom press to print and sell on-site.
Beyond the color run, the event successfully incorporated community celebration, providing attendees with a range of STEAM-themed activities, including elephant toothpaste demonstrations, invisible ink experiments, a bubble-making station, and a catapult-building activity. For additional recreational activities, the team set up volleyball nets and four-square grounds.
Booths were open for bracelet making and face painting, while a separate booth run by the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Hope Squad included rock painting. Food and refreshments were well suited for the hot day and provided to all participants, including ice pops, juice pops, fruit juice boxes, free snacks and water.
Donations of drinks, snacks and balloons came from several local businesses, including Herr’s, Maschio’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and The Party Shop.
To conclude the event, Somerset County Commissioner Elizabeth Graner and Hope Squad president Sarina Dalal also spoke, focusing on the mental health resources available in the Bridgewater-Raritan community.
Since it first took place as the "Bridgewater Rainbow Run", the event has grown in its community reach and scale, now drawing a diverse audience of students, families, local officials and organizations for its commitment to mental health awareness.