Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s (BRHS) FIRST Robotics Competition team, Team 303, served as the host to the third Charlie Run, a community color run and STEAM engagement day held in memory of Charlie Schulz (former team member and student at BRHS), on June 8. The event took place on the school’s front lawn and parking area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., drawing students, staff and residents from across the district.
The Charlie Run was first launched by the team in 2023 as an initiative to honor Schulz’s legacy and raise funds for a memorial scholarship in his name, awarded by the Charlie Schulz Foundation. The scholarship supports LGBT+ students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM), being awarded annually to a graduating BRHS senior who demonstrates a commitment to inclusion and academic excellence.
The event featured a 1.5-mile color run loop around the school campus, alongside hands-on STEAM activities, robotics demonstrations, local food vendors and community organization tables. Attendees of all ages participated in both the run and the accompanying stations, which allowed the event to effectively spread its message of inclusion throughout the community.
Moreover, the event hosted several booths such as one by the Bridgewater-Raritan High School HOPE Squad, a branch of a national organization dedicated to mental health support and awareness. There were also more activity-centered ones, such as a button-making booth.
The color run itself was staggered into multiple waves throughout the morning, with each group greeted by student volunteers throwing colored powder at designated stations. Parents and community members also participated, and each runner received a commemorative T-shirt and wristband.
In addition to student-run activities, the event also included a short speaking program. Guest speaker Sara Wasserman from the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice (BRCSJ) addressed the importance of LGBT+ awareness and inclusion. Meanwhile, faculty members David Zas and Michael Dalpe spoke on Charlie Schulz’s legacy at the school, as well as the importance of the event itself, thanking all the attendees and team members for being there.
Junior and veteran Team 303 member Anika Seshan commented on her experience at the run.
“The Charlie run was such a meaningful experience for me, not just because I got to throw color on everyone, but because it brought our community together to honor Charlie and raise awareness about mental health. Listening to the guest speakers and hearing their personal stories really reminded me why events like this matter, and I look forward to next year’s Charlie Run!” she said.
Speaking of next year, Team 303 plans to continue growing the event, possibly expanding to include more community organizations and local businesses. Regardless, it will be a mainstay of the team’s initiatives and of the Bridgewater-Raritan community as a whole.
