TEMPERANCE — The sudden death of beloved Bedford High School teacher and coach Scott Earl early last year left many in the community wondering how they could best honor his legacy.
Running was the answer.
The school’s student council organized the Scott Earl Memorial Color Run to honor the former track and cross country coach.
The inaugural event last spring drew more than 360 runners and raised nearly $12,000. Much of that money was used to purchase a bronze plaque to remember Earl at Indian Creek Park.
The second annual event is slated for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18.
“The run is a way to honor a man that had such a great impact on students, co-workers and the community as a whole,” said former Student Council President Gavin Daniel. “Our goal is to bring our community together to celebrate his life and devotion to every student that he came across.”
“Mr. Earl taught us to work hard, follow our passions, speak up for what we believe in, be kind to one another and serve our communities,” said Bedford alumni Mary Lietaert. “I am forever grateful to have had a teacher who cared so much about all his students and truly had an impact on Bedford High School.”
Sophomore Cam Varner and many of his teammates on the state-qualifying cross country team had “4 Earl’ stenciled on their checks during races last fall.
“He meant a lot to our cross country season,” Varner said. “He was a great person, great coach and great motivator and definitely made me better. He helped with my mindset when running.”
The same passion Earl showed as a coach was evident in his job as an English teacher.
“Mr. Earl was the perfect example of not how a person should be, but how a person should want to be,” said Bedford graduate Jacob Wingate. “He embodied the idea that there is no perfect person, only perfect actions.”
English teacher Lisa Heartz said Earl made lasting impressions on students and colleagues.
“Scott Earl continues to have a deeply positive, lasting impact on the students, staff, parents and community of Bedford,” she said. “He cared for so many through his daily interactions, his sense of humor and the special way he had of making people feel seen and valued for who they are. Although we miss his wisdom and laugh every day, his legacy lives on as he continues to inspire us.”
The course for this year’s event will take runners and walkers past the plaque honoring Earl. It begins and ends at Bedford Community Stadium.
Participants who want to avoid the colored powder that will be thrown at various checkpoints can complete the entire 5K on the high school track.
The entry fee is $30. Proceeds from this year’s race will be donated to scholarships to honor Earl.
To register or donate, go to www.bedford.k12.mi.us or contact scott.denniss@mybedford.us.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Former Bedford teacher, coach Scott Earl remembered with color run
Reporting by Niles Kruger, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
