Lucjan becomes a leader

How the Dime M5K enabled a first grader

Lucjan Ambrozej at School Settlement Association’s after-school, photo credit Sandra Serva — Lucjan Ambrozej at School Settlement Association’s after-school. Photo credit: Sandra Serva

by Lori Ann Doyon with Roberto Serrano, St. Nicks Alliance’s Site Director for PS 147

The Dime McCarren 5k is currently registering participants for this year’s event. Runners and walkers will take to the streets on May 6th at 10AM from McCarren Park to make their way west toward the East River, then north into Greenpoint, and finally to finish where it started.

This marks the second year of Dime Community Bank’s multiyear commitment to serve as the Title Sponsor of the Dime McCarren 5k Run/Walk for Youth, which benefits local children in North Brooklyn through the St. Nicks Alliance. Produced by St. Nicks Alliance and NYCRUNS since inception in 2012, the McCarren 5k has grown into one of the most popular road races in Brooklyn, attracting over 700 participants. This event’s proceeds benefit a variety of St. Nicks Alliance education initiatives, such as: literacy immersion, the BK Story Voyager, summer camp enrichment activities, etc.

mccarren5k_full_color — Click to learn more about the Dime McCarren 5k at m5k.org.

The funds raised from last year’s Dime McCarren 5k directly made a difference to Lucjan Ambrozej. Lucjan’s family needed a safe, fun, and reliable site for their son. “Lucjan’s mom heard about St Nicks Alliance from other parents and PS 34 staff,” said Hannah Omolade, School Settlement Association’s PS 34 Assistant Director.

During the summer Lucjan enjoyed himself thoroughly during trips to Quassy Amusement Park, Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and Adventureland. Furthermore this first grader flourished as a leader among his peers. In Literacy and STEM assignments, he worked hard to excel. Summer camp, however, is all about unforgettable moments. Among Lucjan’s greatest moments was when he led his group of 15 campers in learning and performing the classic Spanish song “De Colores”. He helped his peers memorize the song, stand in formation, and project their voice in the auditorium.

“Over the course of summer camp, Lucjan developed into a leader. Not only did he guide others, his excitement for the day’s activities influenced his peers as well. It was a pleasure working with Lucjan this summer,” said Bianca Velez, St. Nicks Alliance Group Leader.

To run in the Dime McCarren 5k go to: nycruns.com/m5k. To walk, to form a team, or for more information, go to: m5k.org.