M.B. school dedicates run to former resident

MONMOUTH BEACH - Monmouth Beach School PTA will host its annual three-mile run May 12 at 9 a.m. The run has been renamed the Shana Wasserman Memorial Run in memory of former 19-year-old resident Shana Wasserman, who died in December of bacterial meningitis.

Shana was a freshman at Green Mountain College in Vermont, where she was majoring in environmental studies and competed on the cross country and swimming teams.

"Her dedication to running and supporting our team was immeasurable," said Gail Schnaars, the men's and women's cross country coach, who recently organized a memorial for Shana at the college.

"Shana was always there for her teammates - cheering them on even if she was injured and couldn't run herself. She was at every practice and at every meet. We have a Coaches Award given out at our athletic banquet, and this year I have decided to give the Women's Award in honor of Shana. Her spirit and dedication made all the difference,"

Shana's warmth and commitment was also very evident in Monmouth Beach. She was a swim instructor at Little Monmouth Beach Club where she touched the lives of many children and adults alike. The residents of Monmouth Beach and all who knew Shana will miss her greatly.

Registration forms are available at Monmouth Beach Borough Hall or online at mbschool.org. To be guaranteed a T-shirt, register by April 27 (tickets are $15 for run, $10 for kids' races) and show your support for Monmouth Beach School and Shana. Food and refreshments will be available. There will be educational material available on bacterial meningitis at the run, as well as the opportunity to donate to the Shana Wasserman Foundation.

For more information, call Heather Mistretta at (732) 996-5881.