Student organizing 5K in Lower Burrell to raise money to start mental health foundation for teens

A Burrell High School student aiming to promote mental health wellness is coordinating a physical challenge for the cause in August.

Grace Nesko, a rising senior at Burrell High School, is coordinating a 5K on Aug. 12 in K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park.

Nesko said shirts and concessions will be available for purchase.

The 5K is for all abilities.

“All the proceeds go to starting a foundation for mental health,” she said.

The proceeds will kick off an idea Nesko had to start a foundation that provides free mental health services to high school students in order to reduce gun violence in schools and to help curb teen suicides.

Nesko said she has had the idea of organizing a 5K for more than a year. A runner herself, she began working on the idea last year after an injury so she could stay involved in the sport.

She hopes to make the race an annual event. She thanked teachers, friends and family members for their help along the way, including high school social studies teacher Adam Rossi.

Rossi said Nesko approached him last school year with the idea. He said if anyone could do it, it would be her.

“Any list of fabulous superlatives to describe someone — that’s her,” Rossi said. “She’s just a wonderful young lady, and she’s chock-full of talents and gifts.”

Rossi’s role in the project is to serve as a faculty anchor. Rossi said Nesko has coordinated and worked on all aspects of the event.

“This has been 100% her,” he said.

Rossi spoke highly of Nesko’s goal to raise awareness of mental health.

“Her main goal here is to take the stigma off of mental health,” he said.