By georgia Stubbs
Elm Staff Writer
The sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi have added a magical twist to this year’s 9th annual Queen of the Roses 5k. As the event will occur in conjunction with Chestertown’s yearly Harry Potter Festival, race participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters from the series.
Those who participate in costume have a chance to win the “golden snitch” prize for best-dressed, which is a gift card to local sushi restaurant, Café Sado.
Every year, the sorority organizes a 5k race in memory of Jasmine Dora Queen, a former AOII member, softball player, and student at Washington College. Queen passed away in August of 2008, the summer before her junior year, after she suffered from a pulmonary embolism.
According to current AOII member and organizer of the event, Gabby Leach, Queen’s legacy as an exceptional friend and student lives on at WC even eight years after her passing.
In Queen’s memory, all funds raised in the race go to a scholarship fund awarded to a fellow AOII sister in need who could otherwise not afford to be involved in Greek life.
The Jasmine Dora Queen Scholarship is open to all Alpha Omicron Pi sisters who apply across the country, but the race itself has become an on-campus tradition.
“It’s an incredible fundraiser and an awesome way to get the whole school together, especially because Jasmine was so involved on campus with things like softball and Cleopatra Sisters,” said AOII member Hannah Sive.
Those who wish to participate in the event may register online at TrisportsEvents.com or in person downstairs in Hodson Hall from Monday to Friday, where the AOII sisters have a table dedicated to the event.
For those who would like to be involved and contribute to the cause but cannot make it to the event, there is a “Silent Hero” option in registration, wherein one may contribute a monetary donation without running the race itself.
However, one does not have to be a star athlete in order to participate.
Anyone may complete the 5k by walking or running, as, in Leach’s words, “not everyone loves to run.” To thank them for their contribution, each runner will receive a free “Queen of Roses” t-shirt with registration.
The spirit of the day exemplifies the sense of community at the college which extends off-campus into the streets of Chestertown. Accordingly, the sisters of the sorority invite all students and members of the community to come out and enjoy the race together.
Registration costs $8 per student and $20 per adult runner. After Sept. 25, the price for adults increases to $25 per runner. The event will take place Sunday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Wilmer Park.