PEDRO — During these tough economic times, almost every school district has had to tighten its budget and in many cases, make budget cuts. Typically during budget cuts, students participating in extra curricular activities are among the first to feel the effects.

But thanks to Brooke Noel, the Rock Hill School District might avoid a similar fate.

Noel, Rock Hill Elementary School teacher, has coordinated the fourth annual 5K race on May 12, 9 a.m., at the Ellisonville Park and rest area on State Route 93. The Rock Hill School District is hosting the event.

All of the proceeds go toward different student organizations in the district.

“It’s a blessing to be involved in helping so many students from our district,” Noel said.

Before the event, Noel accepts proposals from any organization in the district that needs extra funding.

Over the past three years, the proceeds have helped students participate in cheering at the Little League Level, the Rock Hill Little League fields were renovated, and the Rock Hill High School Honor Society was able to fund their “Big Cover Up” project, which provides toys and clothing for elementary children at Christmas.

This year, the event will help the Rock Hill Band Boosters purchase new uniforms for the “Pride of Lawrence County Marching Band.” The current uniforms were purchased in the early 1990s and are unable to accommodate all participating students,” Noel said.

“The more participants that walk and/or run the race, the more money the organization has to provide for the students,” Noel said.

In the past few years, there have been up to 85 participants take part in the event each year.

“I would like to see more people at the race, especially more staff and local runners but everyone is welcome,” Noel said.

Anyone interested in registering, can visit Rock Hill’s website or tristateracer.com. There is a registration form, along with instructions to register. Every participant will receive a T-shirt and individual age awards.

This event will mark the first time that children 14 and under can participate in their own mile run.

The event will be dedicated to Richard Schwab, who was a long time band booster.

Sponsors of the event include: Peddlers Home Cooking, Bartram and Son Grocery, Lambert Law Office and Associates, Coal Grove Giovanni’s, County Commissioner Les Boggs, Liberty Federal, Carey’s Tire Sales and Hurley’s Insurance.