Geek Streak raises funds for student exams

Shafter High School held their annual Geek Streak 5K run that raises funds for the AP Exams that students take throughout the school year.

Put on by the SHS AP Club, the event was held on Saturday at the school. The course started at the front of the school and wound its way around surrounding orchards, ending at Mannel Park. Students in AP courses face an expense of $94 for each exam that they take to prepare them for their college entrances and with their acceptances.

According to Principal Russell Shipley, some of the students will be taking four or five different exams. There are a total of 14 different exams that are available for students in many subjects including English, math and Science.

The theme for this year was Disney, and several of the runners wore Disney shirts; a couple sported Mickey Mouse ears as they ran the course. There also was and award for the first competitor to cross the finish line. That honor went to Luis Castro, who made the run in under 15 minutes. There were a variety of participants, from cross-country runners to people who brought their dogs with them, enjoying the course at a slower pace.

The event, with the addition of donations made from different organizations such as the Shafter Rotary Club and Kiwanis, helped raise approximately $3,745. "Thanks to the funds from the event and the donations and support from our wonderful community, the students will not have to have any money come out of their own pockets for these important exams," Shipley said.