Written by Kori Bennett

On July 8,2010, the death of 16 year old Nicole LeGrow made time stand still for many Plano citizens. It was a shocking moment for everyone. The afternoon rain shower mixed with the speed of the vehicle carrying LeGrow and a friend caused a young, outgoing teenage life to be taken away within minutes. More than a year since this tragedy, a 5k run was created to keep the memory of LeGrow alive and promote safe driving among teen drivers.

“We had the breakfast of champions, as well as a good night’s sleep,” junior Ryan Schaffer said.

The race took place on Saturday, Oct. 8. The morning smelled of rain, but the participants of the race were determined to complete the run around Oak Point Park. The starting line began on the sidewalk on the side of Spring Creek and ended near the Oak Point Amphitheatre.

“This was a really great cause and it feels so good to know I completed this run,” junior Brianna Yotides said. “Nicole was an innocent girl who lost her life to reckless driving; something that could have easily been avoided.”

When the race ended, parents, children, pets and babies gathered around the booth to listen to the winners for each category. The categories were Overall Male, Overall Female, Masters Male, Masters Female, Grand Master Male, Grand Master Female and regular Male and Female for each age group. The people who did not win still applauded and congratulated the winners.

“I feel great completing this race,” junior Raymond Howard said. “I never stopped running so I’m proud of myself for that. I jogged a little each day to prepare.”

This day created a mix of emotions for some. Even though the event was created to raise awareness about teen driving, the loss of Legrow still exists and brought despair to close relatives and friends.

“It means a lot to me considering I knew her,” Howard said. “A lot of people in her family are so warm and welcoming. I’m so glad we had this event.”

Many people participated in the race who had no previous association with the LeGrow family. Many heard of the tragic story and wanted nothing more than to include themselves in this event to help make the event run efficiently. All the volunteers were thanked with a custom made Nickel 5k Run t-shirt.

“I volunteered by helping to pass out water for all the runners,” junior Leslie Celestine said. “It is something special for me to do this for her, even though I did not know her personally.”

The main focus of this event was to promote safe teen driving. Many students have pledged to do all they can to make sure they are safe on the road.

“I always remind my friends and myself to be careful when driving, especially with texting,” Schaffer said. “And always make sure there are double designated drivers.”

LeGrow lost her life last year in a tragic accident that shocked many people, but through her death many lessons have been learned.

“It affected my life because I knew Nicole pretty well throughout middle school and elementary school which made me realize the value of a life and that it can be taken away in an instant,” senior Max Uncovsky said. “I felt sad when I finished the race because it reminded me of all the good times we had. She was such a good person and her death has changed many lives.”