This year's Oyster Festival 5K run will again feature administrators and teachers from the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District. Roosevelt Elementary School, the Vernon School, and the high school will be represented as staff members are fundraising for the Sal Pipitone Scholarship Fund.

Additionally, the PTA at Roosevelt Elementary School and the PTSA at the High School will be using their respective parking lots for fund raising, some of which will go to the Sal Pipitone Fund.

Mr. Pipitone was a beloved administrator in the district who was an avid marathon runner, as well as a track and field coach. A New York Ranger hockey fan, Sal loved being a valuable part of the Oyster Bay Community, from teaching languages other than English to his yearly participation as a spirited performer in the annual student/staff talent show.

The scholarship is given annually to a student who is either pursuing an education in the bilingual field, or an exemplary student who has been a student in the Oyster Bay High School bilingual program.

Three teams will be competing to best each other's average time. This time will also determine the donation of each team member, and the team's sponsors. For example, if a team's average for the 5K is 23:07, the donation from each team member would be $23.07.

Participating runners include Marty Malone, Keith Harrison, Tom Lynch, Dawn Cerrone, Tara White, Scott Boris, Bob Bennet, Joe Engelhardt, Tara Tassani, Dennis O'Hara, Keven Degnan, Diana Hauser, Megan Rogus, John Andriaccio, Craig Marlow, and John Piropato.

These teachers and administrators will be wearing light blue T-shirts with the phrase "Running for Sal" on the front. No donation money is being used for the shirts. Anybody who wishes to make a contribution should contact Kevin Cotter at 624-6559, ext. 5301. Donations will also be collected at the race. Checks should be made out to "Sal Pipitone Scholarship Fund."