The Parker Fun Run

DEVENS - Get ready to lace up your sneakers and pound the pavement for a good

cause, an all-around win win.

The Parker Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 22 to benefit the Francis W. Parker Charter

Essential School is celebrating its 31 st year and there are still spots available to

participate. The community event beginning at 10 a.m. at 49 Antietam St. is an annual

fundraiser for the school and there will be 1st , 2nd , and 3rd place medals and prizes for

both males and females in age-specific groupings and categories.

“We love getting people together to celebrate our school, our students, and the

importance of education. There are always so many smiles and fun to be had,” said

Lunenburg resident and mom of a Parker alum Heather Vacca, who is helping with the

race for the first time.

She reported that many years ago, Parker used to hold a five-mile race that was very

popular.

“As part of our 30th  anniversary celebrations last year we revived the tradition, switching

to a 5K, and had a fun Halloween vibe last year because the event was in October,”

Vacca said. “This year has a Thanksgiving feel with a very fun turkey as part of the run

logo.”

They raised close to $5,000 last year, funds that she said benefit The Parker Fund.

“Every penny that we raise through that fund goes directly to our students in the form of

small class sizes, more direct attention and academic support, and greater access to

clubs, sports, and activities,” Vacca shared.

There are over five dozen people registered so far, and people are welcome to sign up

on the day of the race or ahead of it by visiting parker.school/funrun. Vacca said that

during and after the run there will be family lawn games, music, and more.

“We expect 100 to 150 runners and will have a family atmosphere with activities for kids

to enjoy,” she said, adding that prizes include gallons of apple cider and Thanksgiving

pies.

As the mom of a 2025 Parker graduate -- her 19-year-old son Alex who is studying

environmental science and education at Clark University -- Vacca said she is glad to

have the “opportunity to give back” to the free public charter school open by lottery to

students entering grades 7, 8, and 9 educating 400 students in grades seven through

12.

“My son thrived there, made lifelong friends, and got into all nine colleges he applied

to. Parker was a perfect fit,” she expressed. “The school is very dear to me and all they

have done for my son.”