February 26, 2025—Earlier this month, Harrison High School hosted the first annual Olivia Kate's Path 5K. The race is in honor and memory of Olivia Pugh, a Harrison student who was killed tragically in December 2023. Her parents, Tara and Randy Pugh, created the 5K as well as a scholarship that they will give out every year to keep Olivia's spirit and love of life alive.

Six hundred ninety-two racers and many more in the stands showed up early on a brisk Saturday morning to show their support for the Pugh family. It was a phenomenal sight and outpouring of love. In addition to Harrison students and family members, there were runners from around metro Atlanta, and some came from out of state as far away as Ohio and Texas. There were also virtual runners scattered around the country who generously supported the event. Twenty local businesses joined the cause as sponsors of the event.

"The turnout was unbelievable and greater than we imagined for the first year. We are so grateful for so many people, many of whom we have never met, who came to remember Olivia and support her memorial scholarship. I promise Olivia every day that she will never be forgotten, and every person who participated in the 5K is helping me keep that promise," said Tara Pugh emotionally.

Olivia was a phenomenal student and athlete at Harrison. She maintained over a 4.0 throughout high school, played three sports (softball, flag football, and track), played travel softball, and was involved in over a half-dozen clubs, including the National Honor Society. She was President of the Beta Club her senior year, had countless service hours, and still found time for a part-time job at Chick-fil-A. Olivia chose to be an organ donor when she got her driver's license, and this selfless act helped save the lives of four women.

"Kindness is the one word that most people mention when talking about Olivia," Ms. Pugh continued. "She was kind and friendly to everyone, even if it was just a smile or a wave from afar. She was the most beautiful person down to her soul, and I couldn’t be more proud of her."

Proceeds from the 5K will benefit the memorial scholarship created in Olivia's memory. The name, Olivia Kate Pugh Strength and Shield Scholarship, comes from Psalm 28:7, which Olivia wrote out and had hanging on a bulletin board in her bedroom. The scholarship will be awarded annually to exceptional Harrison seniors who, like Olivia, display a hard work ethic in and out of the classroom while also spreading kindness and joy.

"Olivia was such a special student at Harrison, and we miss her dearly," said Principal Jeff Milton. "Her kindness and bright spirit continue to inspire us all. Seeing so many people come together in her memory is a testament to the lasting impact she had on our community."

The name of the 5K, Olivia Kate's Path, was inspired by her initials and her love of athletics. The official t-shirt for the event was purple (Olivia's favorite color), included 17 rays of sunshine (one for each year she was on this earth), a dove (to represent her strong faith) shaped like the number 3 (her favorite number that she wore on her Harrison jerseys), and a sunset (she loved to watch the sunsets on Kennesaw Mountain with her friends). But most importantly, the shirt included a silhouette of Olivia with her hair up in a ponytail, running toward the sun at her favorite place in the world—the beach.

"Olivia was such a remarkable young lady in so many ways," said Harrison Athletic Director Wes Ellis. "She was the model student-athlete with a passion for learning while also playing three sports. The Pugh family honored us by having the event here at Harrison, and they continue to be a blessing to us, and we pray to always be a support to them."

Despite going through the unimaginable pain of losing their oldest child, the Pugh family expressed their deep gratitude to the Harrison community for wrapping them in love:

"Your support has been greater than anything we could have imagined. Every card, meal, text, prayer, and hug has helped us through some of our darkest days. We have a son, Alex, who is a junior at Harrison, and we will forever be grateful for the support and love the school and the community has shown him. We have the most generous, kind, and thoughtful community. It means so much to us to see Olivia being honored and remembered by so many people."