PTA makes great strides for science

It’s been a golden month for science in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District — and after the 20th annual Harbor Heritage Run on Saturday, it may get even brighter.

Every year, the Newport Harbor High School PTA holds the race on the campus track to raise funds for the school. With Newport Harbor planning to overhaul its science computer lab in the coming months, the parent organizers will divert Saturday’s proceeds to buying new computers and software for the facility.

Over the last few weeks, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District got a $2.5-million gift for science teachers from the Irvine Co., while Eastbluff Elementary School opened the first modern science classroom in the district. If the Harbor Heritage Run brings in the expected cash, Newport Harbor will be the next school in town to make a scientific leap.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Assistant Principal Tina Case. “We have a technology budget which isn’t as much as we’d like. Everybody has needs, and by the time we get around to ordering something, it’s already out of date.”

The Harbor Heritage Run usually nets about $30,000, with more than 1,000 runners — but as the PTA’s only major event of the year, it’s more than a fundraiser. The annual race brings together the Newport Harbor community as businesses set up booths around the track, the school band performs and runners of all ages toe the starting line.

“We have a lot of neighbors and friends who come, I believe, just to reunite,” said Kay Davis, Newport Harbor’s PTA president.

The run begins with registration at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. After a warm-up at 7:30 a.m., the organizers will start the two main races of the day — a 2-kilometer run starting at 8 a.m., and a 5-kilometer run a half an hour later. The routes for both races will cover the neighborhood surrounding Newport Harbor. Later, there are a pair of races for children 5 to 10 around the school’s track. The fee to participate ranges from $18 to $23.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the run, PTA members enlisted parents who formerly chaired the event to serve as dignitaries. Connie Cherry, Cathy Glover and Karen Kendall are expected to ride in pace cars to start both of the major races, along with Supt. Jeffrey Hubbard.

“We named it ‘Heritage’ because we want to have the heritage to keep it running forever,” said Jan Carsten, the publicity chair for this year’s event. “We’re proud that it’s already been 20 years.”