NC’s National Honor Society participated in the annual March of Dimes 5K at Marietta Square on Saturday, April 30, after raising money for the charity benefitting premature babies.

The March of Dimes walk stood as one of the first community service events for the new junior inductees. Prior to the 5K, both seniors and juniors carried purple coin buckets around the school to collect donations. After months of raising funds, the walk allowed NHS members to meet others contributing to the cause and take part in a symbolic display of support for premature and underdeveloped babies.

The walk began in the center of Marietta Square, where vendors gathered to sell handmade products and food to benefit the charity. Disney princesses also attended to paint faces and take pictures with children who took part in the 5K. As the start time approached, different activities took place on the main stage including a t-shirt design contest and a Zumba instructor-led warm-up. Before the official start time of 9am, NHS members socialized and gathered for group photos under the purple and white balloon arch.

“March of Dimes is such an awesome charity and it is one of my favorite things we participate in as NHS. I love knowing that we are making a difference and the walk gives us a chance each year to see all of our fundraising work come together,” senior club president Gina Lee said.

After enjoying the pre-walk activities, teams assembled at the starting line. NC’s NHS walked alongside large groups of supporters from Publix, Wellstar, Lockheed-Martin, and many other organizations who also support the March of Dimes. Walking with a group of over one-hundred students, the club showed a strong sense of unity throughout the entire walk. Spanning through various areas of Marietta, the 5K took the NHS team nearly an hour to complete.

“I had so much fun walking with all my friends for such a good cause!” Senior member Elizabeth Daniel said.

After returning back to the Square, also the finish line, Publix congratulated the walkers with hot dogs, bananas, granola bars, and bottles of water. Students crowded at picnic tables to eat and watch various acts on the main stage. After spending time together reflecting on their fundraising and service to the March of Dimes, members of NHS left the Square feeling a strong sense of community and leadership.