This year, on September 28th, NDP hosted the Blazer Dash, our annual 5k and 1-mile walk, to support scholarships for girls hoping to join our community and be a part of the sisterhood of blazers. Even though most people know the Blazer Dash from the Friday dress down day (which we love!) and the colorful shirts, each participant is truly making an impact on the NDP community with every step they run or walk. This year, we drew an impressive crowd of girls, parents, siblings, teachers, alums, and other high school students, all contributing to support future generations of NDP girls.
To add on to a fun weekend of CCAP activities for freshmen and sophomores, many teams and friends take on the Hampton Lane course together and cheer everyone on. Sophomore varsity field hockey player Peyton P. ’28 ran the 5k with her team, and she reflected, saying, “Blazer Dash is such an amazing experience, especially when your whole team does it and motivates each other, and everyone around you. Also, knowing that you are running for a cause, like NDP scholarships, is such a special feeling when you get to do it with your sisters.” Sophomore tennis player Jordan B. ’28 also completed the 5k, stating, “Running Blazer Dash is such a memorable experience where you can come together with families and friends to show school spirit and impact the community.” For team bonding and recovery before three big conference matchups this week, varsity soccer player Cami S. ’27 shares how she enjoyed the 1-mile walk with her team, saying, “Participating with my team is such a fun bonding experience and a meaningful way to show school spirit. Blazer Dash means so much to NDP and everyone who participates through its traditions and everyone’s enthusiastic energy.” Senior varsity soccer player Becca B. ’26 shares her experience as she participates for the last time as a student this year, saying, “Walking the 1-mile at Blazer Dash was a great way to bond with my teammates off the field and show our school spirit, and doing it one last time makes it even more special.”
In the women’s 40 and over age group, NDP’s class of ’99 took gold, silver, and bronze; specifically, Valerie Thompson P. ’28, and Marisa Cole P. ’28. Mrs. Val, an avid runner to this day, reflected, saying, “Blazer Dash is a great way to support scholarships, relive memories of after-school Gypsy Lane runs with friends, and be with my daughter (who hates running, coincidentally).” Her podium counterpart, Mrs. Marisa, says she “loves participating in the Blazer Dash because it combines many things I love- running, giving back to the NDP community that gave me so much, being with my friends from my high school days, and watching my daughter now enjoy the same friendships and love of NDP.”
In conclusion, the 2025 Blazer Dash was as big a success and is still making an impact on numerous generations of blazers in the future!