PERKINSVILLE, Vt. – The sixth annual Lace Up for Laura Memorial 5K and Fun Run will take place on Saturday, June 27, bringing together runners, walkers, families, businesses, and community supporters for a day of movement, connection, and giving back.
Established in celebration and memory of Laura Cody McNaughton, a public health leader, community advocate, school board member, runner, and devoted mother, the event honors McNaughton’s belief that healthy communities are built through service, compassion, education, and opportunity. A 2000 valedictorian of Springfield High School, McNaughton graduated summa cum laude from Bates College and earned a master’s degree in public health from Boston University. She dedicated her life to improving the wellbeing of others through public health leadership, substance abuse prevention, community advocacy, and service on numerous nonprofit and educational boards. Proceeds from the Lace Up for Laura event support the Laura Cody McNaughton Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to local students whose lives and aspirations reflect the values McNaughton embodied.
“Lace Up for Laura was created not only to remember Laura, but to invest in the next generation of young people who are making a difference,” said race codirector Ethan McNaughton, who worked with friends and family to establish the event following the loss of his wife, Laura, in 2018.
Since its founding, the Laura Cody McNaughton Memorial Fund has awarded $70,000 in scholarships to local students. This year, the fund will award a record $20,000 through two scholarships recognizing students who embody Laura’s commitment to leadership, service, resilience, and improving the lives of others.
The recipient of the 2026 Laura Cody McNaughton Legacy Scholarship of $15,000 is Tatum Flanagan, of Windsor High School.
Flanagan plans to attend Rivier University this fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Throughout high school, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service and leadership through Girl Scouts, Student Council, Athletic Leadership Council, National Honor Society, athletics, and health care training at the Hartford Area Career and Technology Center. Her service projects have included building community resources, supporting veterans organizations, organizing school and community initiatives, and developing grief support resources for children and families.
Flanagan’s passion for health care was inspired by witnessing the compassionate care nurses provided to her grandfather during a prolonged illness. Through hands-on experience in medical assisting and phlebotomy, she discovered a calling to become a nurse and provide that same care and comfort to others.
“Community service has been a part of who I am,” said Flanagan. “These values were instilled in me when I was very young about how important it is to give back. Nursing has all that I believe in: working directly with individuals, solving problems in high-pressure situations, and offering care, comfort, and support in times of need.”
The recipient of the 2026 Laura Cody McNaughton Achievement Award of $5,000 is Evangeline “EV” Nicholes-Fox, of Green Mountain Union High School.
A valedictorian and early college student through CCV, Nicholes-Fox will attend the University of Vermont this fall to study medical radiation sciences. During high school, she served as editor of the school newspaper, helped publish a mental wellness and awareness issue, led the school’s GSA as president, and completed more than 80 hours of community service through food drives, blood drives, nursing home volunteering, and community fundraising efforts.
Like McNaughton, Nicholes-Fox has demonstrated a commitment to promoting health, inclusion, and community wellbeing while pursuing academic excellence.
“I am so honored to be awarded this scholarship,” said Nicholes-Fox. “It has not only given me some financial relief, but also confidence in myself and my future. I’m grateful that I can pursue a future doing what I love, helping others, as Laura did.”
The day begins with a free children’s Fun Run, followed immediately by the Lace Up for Laura 5K, which welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The family-friendly event features optional nontoxic color tunnels, bubbles, free sunglasses for Fun Run participants, a photo booth, race shirts, raffles, live music, water stations, postrace snacks, and awards recognizing participants for achievements ranging from speed to team spirit.
Children participating in the Fun Run will receive a commemorative purple duck that may be entered later that day in the Springfield Area Parent Child Center’s Purple Duck Run. The purple duck partnership supports both organizations and highlights the shared commitment of Lace Up for Laura and SAPCC to strengthening local families and communities. Purple ducks are also available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting both the Laura Cody McNaughton Memorial Fund and the Springfield Area Parent Child Center.
The scholarships awarded each year are made possible entirely through race registrations, sponsorships, donations, and volunteer support.
“We’re deeply grateful for support from participants, volunteers, and our generous sponsors,” said race codirector Lisa Gleeson. “This year’s scholarship recipients reflect so many of the qualities Laura embodied: compassion, leadership, service, and a commitment to helping others.”
The following organizations and individuals have provided significant financial and in-kind support at the Race Sponsor ($1,000) level: Alva Waste, Crew Tracks, John W. Hughan Foundation, Lamb & McNaughton P.C., Magris Talc, New Leaf Creative, Richman-Raphael Family, River Valley Property Management, Ruth and Ted Cody, Springfield Hospital, and Tenured Advisors.
Mile Sponsors ($500-$999) are Edgar May Health and Recreation Center, HB Energy Solutions, McNaudio Media Solutions, North Star Health, PWC, River Valley Tech Center, Savings Bank of Walpole, and Snyder Donegan Real Estate Group.
Registration for both the 5K and free Fun Run is now open at www.laceupforlaura.com. Community members are encouraged to register, form teams, volunteer, sponsor, or simply come out to cheer on participants and celebrate the remarkable young people whose futures are being supported through the Laura Cody McNaughton Memorial Fund.