Hawley Spring 5K Run / Walk

 An area 5K event aims to put the spotlight on mental wellness while engaging the Poconos community.

The 10th annual Hawley Spring Run 5K Run/Walk, "A Race Against Suicide" is slated for Sunday, June 5, rain or shine. The event steps off from Hawley's Bingham Park at 1 p.m.

Initiated and coordinated all these years by Sheila Whitman, NAMI Northeast Region has agreed to take the reins.JoAnna Van Tine, NAMI community engagement and volunteer coordinator, said that proceeds will continue to provide for the Tyler Whitman Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Scholarships will be awarded to three Wallenpaupack students based on those have written the best essays on "What is Mental Wellness? How can I support my own wellness? How can I support others?"

First place will receive $250, 2nd place will receive $150, and 3rd place will receive $100.

"Our goal is to educate as many students as we can about mental wellness," Van Tine said.

The scholarship recalls Sheila's late son Tyler, who graduated from Wallenpaupack Area High School but took his own life during his freshman year at college. Sheila started the Hawley Spring Run the next year.