The 2018 Norma E. Boyd 5K Race for Education Promised Fitness and Family Fun While Raising Over $10,000 for Scholarships

Washington, DC, September 27, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Hundreds ran, jogged, walked, or joined virtually in support of education during the 2018 Norma E. Boyd 5K Race for Education on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at the scenic Hains Point in East Potomac Park, Washington, DC. This event, sponsored by the Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation (PIEF), in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Omega Chapter, took place at 8 a.m. and raised $10,783 to support scholarships for college-bound D.C. high school students.

“The annual Norma E. Boyd 5K Race for Education is a key component in the Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation’s focus on educating our future leaders. This race has generated funds to support scholarships for deserving students in Washington, DC public schools for five years. Named for Alpha Kappa Alpha founder, Norma E. Boyd, whose passion was education, race proceeds have provided college scholarships to over 60 deserving students from the Washington, DC community. Supporters of the Norma E. Boyd 5K Race for Education are making a direct investment in the education of future leaders from the Washington, DC community,” said PIEF and Xi Omega President, April Gaines-Jernigan.

Established in 1988, The Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (C) 3, non-profit organization that partners with Alpha Kappa Alpha - Xi Omega Chapter to raise money for scholarships. The organizations work together to support educational and community-based programs, as well as implement fundraising initiatives. Each year, PIEF awards thousands in scholarships to exceptional, college-bound high school students. The 2018 cohort of students is comprised of 12 awardees selected from seven DC public high schools and charter schools. In 2018, PIEF celebrates its 30th anniversary and to date, has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships.

This year's race had 306 participants, thirty of whom joined virtually. Participants of all ages enjoyed the park’s historic and scenic views, while runners appreciated the USATF-certified course, featuring ChronoTrack timing.

Xi Omega Chapter is the oldest and largest graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Washington, DC. Established in 1923, the chapter has a membership of more than 500 professional women, who serve the District and surrounding communities. Xi Omega’s signature service programs focus on HBCU 4 Life: A Call to Action, Women's Healthcare and Wellness, Building Your Economic Legacy, The Arts!, and Global Impact. These programs are the cornerstone of the AKA international theme, “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service.” For more information, visit akaxo.org

Established in 1988, the Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation, Inc. (PIEF) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose primary mission is to provide scholarships to deserving and exemplary college-bound high school seniors and continuing college students in the District of Columbia. PIEF is comprised of college-educated, professional women – community volunteers who are dedicated to serving the needs of District residents. For more information, visit pearlandivy.org