STRIDE Color Run

Ryan’s Journey:   January 25, 1995 – August 12, 2017

In 2021, approximately 48,183 individuals lost their lives to suicide. The majority of victims to suicide had not shown any signs of mental health struggles leading up to their death. Now more than ever, it is critical to address the lack of mental wellness practices within society and its consequent effect on suicide rates. The Buchholz High School chapter project, STRIDE, is emphasizing this issue. STRIDE’s mission is to raise awareness about the importance of mental wellness in effort of suicide prevention. 

Our mission began when a beloved sibling of one of our Buchholz students, Ryan Layne Howell, lost his life to suicide. The Color Run was founded in memory of Ryan, and STRIDE is proud to continue our support through the Ryan Howell Memorial Scholarship: a scholarship that helps support local mental health organizations.

Through hosting a variety of events such as a tie-dye day, podcasts with mental health speakers, and the annual 5K Color Run, STRIDE connects with the student body and surrounding community. Ava Avera, Lindsay Meyers, and Tyler Kinsell are the managers of STRIDE for the 2023-2024 school-year. Each manager is working towards raising awareness about mental wellness in effort of suicide prevention by hosting a “STRIDE” Color Run 5K. This event will be hosted on November 11th at Trinity United Methodist Church (4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32653). There will be a short introduction and informational speech at 9:00 AM, with the race starting at 9:30 AM. There will be a raffle, social media contest winner announcement, a picture wall, and plenty of food and drinks for all who attend. As we go into our sixth year of the annual color run, we would love for you to join us in raising awareness about mental wellness and suicide prevention as we stride in memory of Ryan Howell.

We look forward to your participation in this project that will impact the mental health community for years to come. Please feel free to contact our Registration Coordinator at

stridecolorrun@gmail.com

If you wish to make a donation, please send any checks to 5745 NW 80th Ave. Gainesville, Fl. 32653 (make checks out to "Ryan Howell Memorial Scholarship, Inc.") or click on the link below.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/strides-color-run-bhs-deca-2023