On Thursday, Lebanon High School Cross Country State Finals participant, Penny Lamerson, was surprised with a callback to her roots at Harney Elementary School as she geared up for a top-100 finish at the State Finals over the weekend.
While Lamerson took her practice run past Harney Elementary, she was met with students and staff lining the sidewalks to cheer her on with chants, hugs and high-fives as she warmed up for her showcase at the State Finals.
As a former Harney Running Club member, the experience with the students at Harney Elementary acted as a full-circle moment for Lamerson, reminding her and the community that every moment matters.
Lamerson placed 92nd among 248 participants as a junior at Lebanon High School. She finished with a time of 19:15 with an average mile of 6:11.7. With a top-100 finish as only a junior, Lamerson heads into her senior year with a promising State run for the 2025-2026 season.