Story by MAYLIN SANDERS Photos by BREANNA HOY
Tiger Media Network
The annual Serena’s Sunflower 5k took place on Saturday. Named in honor of Serena Blaske, an FHSU student who passed away in 2021.
According to Serena’s mother, Michelle Blaske, Serena was very involved during her time at Fort Hays State.
“…From traveling with the football team as a manager, serving as the Coliseum sound tech for basketball, helping guard the pool, and working with little ones through the teacher education group, Serena found so many ways to make a difference and be a part of the Tiger family,” Michelle said.
As her mother describes, Serena found many ways to make a difference and be involved on campus. The 5k, which also includes a color run, honors Serena’s memory and helps fund the annual Serena Blaske Memorial Scholarship for an FHSU student who shares the same qualities as Serena.
FHSU has helped to keep Serena’s memory and legacy alive by hosting Serena’s Sunflower 5k Color Run each year since 2022. Michelle Blaske explains how grateful she and her family are for the run taking place.
“We are incredibly thankful to Fort Hays State University for supporting Serena’s Memorial Scholarship by hosting the 5k Color Run for the past five years.”
Tigers lined up to begin the 5K run 
Runners Andrew Solo, Max Ryan and Justin Birdsall after finishing the 5K run 
Runners Abigail Bird and Hailey Misegadis after finishing the 1-mile run 
Tigers running the 1-mile run 
Tigers Abigail Bird and Haily Misegadis finishing first in the 1-mile run 
Runners Evelyn Ivarie and Adriana Duerksen after completing the 5K run 
Tiny Tiger completing the 1-mile run with his parents 
Tigers crossing the finish line 
A Tiger’s aura after completing the 5K 
A Tiger after finishing the 5k 
The start of the Color Run 
Tigers enjoying the colorful run 
Everyone gathering around before starting 
A Tiger “locking-in” for the 5K run! 
The sign set up for the Serena Sunflower 5K