Human Race: Young runner to support The Carlton Center

My name is Alex Powell and I am a sophomore at Harvest Christian Academy in Elgin. I am passionate about running and passionate about helping others, and I am excited that the DuPage Human Race gives me the opportunity to do both.

This is my first year running in this fundraiser, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to help an amazing organization that my family supports, as well as do something that I love … run!

Many people may think high school students are too self-involved to care about helping others, but I am determined to change that stereotype.

I am running this year's race in support of The Carlton Center. This organization helps youths who have struggled to obey the law get the counseling and assistance they need to make better choices in life.

The Carlton Center also helps families to successfully cope with issues that arise by providing family counseling services, as well as resources that will help meet the physical, financial and emotional needs of those who are struggling in our community.

I learned about the DuPage Human Race from an announcement made at my church, Wheaton Christian Center. The opportunity to participate in a race immediately caught my interest, but it was the knowledge that I could show support for The Carlton Center by serving others like Christ instructed us to do that helped me make the decision to participate.

I have several friends from my church and school who will be running, or walking, in this race with me, and I am looking forward to being a part of something that allows me to support an organization that does so much good in our community.