Rugato Moving On From Lynnfield Athletic Association

Earlier this month, the Lynnfield Athletic Association had it 46th annual July 4th 5K road race, which raises money for Lynnfield High School scholarships and athletic programs.

As noted in this interview with director Linda Rugato last June on Lynnfield Patch, the LAA is one of many local organizations to find itself wondering about its future with fewer people in general getting involved with community organizations. 

This week, Rugato emailed Lynnfield Patch to say that her final LAA race saw a great turnout, as well as the hottest weather in at least 15 years. “The LAA has been such a part of my life and it is has helped out student athletes so much,” said Rugato.

This year’s race carried the memory of the Boston Marathon bombings, and several Lynnfielders who ran in Boston that day led off the 5K on July 4th.  Along with the usual support for Lynnfield student-athletes, Rugato reported that $500 from the race proceeds will go to the One Fund to support bombing victims. . “It isn't a lot but Lynnfield is Boston strong and we want to show out support no matter how big or small the donation is,” wrote Rugato.

LHS student Katie Morelli sang the national anthem at this year’s race, while Rugato also thanked Bob Priestley for serving as a DJ, and her son Alex, who redesigned the LAA t-shirts. 

Below is the full list of individuals and sponsors that Rugato also wished to highlight for this year’s event:

“I want to thank everyone that has helped me with Laa over the years especially Kathleen Dario, Dawn Roman and my family,” wrote Rugato.  “I was so lucky to have a group of volunteers show up to help who had never helped before and the race went flawlessly!  The Hayden', Roberts, Bailey Priestley, Cathy Bonafine and her mom, Helen, Stephanie Hines,  Patty Poor who just went out for a walk and stopped to help as well as Lisa Hammersley, and the LHS cheerleaders.  Laurie Jameson has always been a huge help with getting food together and ready and anyone else whom I have missed you guys rock! I have always wanted to make the Road Race bigger with vendors etc. but just never had the manpower.”

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors, Wakefield Co-op for being our major sponsor for as long as I can remember, the savings bank, Northrup, Moynihan Lumber, Supino insurance, Dcr building, Durkee Mower, the law office of Colonna and Doyle, Bob Feeney, and Robert Noe.  The fire dept. and police dept. for their help to make the runners safe, the DPW for doing a fantastic job with whatever we needed and I can't forget those residents who were out on the 4th with their hoses and water.  This is a wonderful community that always has supported our youth!  Thank you for all your support over the years.”