THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 30, 2026 Page 11 Hundreds Participate in Everett’s 2026 Homecoming Hustle E VERETT, MA – Hundreds of runners and walkers gathered on Saturday, October 10, for the City of Everett’s annual Homecoming Hustle 5K, held in partnership with Everett Public Schools. This year’s race was dediParticipants in the Homecoming Hustle, Mayor Van Campen and Superintendent Bill Hart pose for a group photo. cated to the memory of Mrs. Janet (Connolly) O’Neill, beloved former Assistant Principal of the Webster School, in recognition of her lasting impact on generations of Everett students and her dedication to the community. Mayor Van Campen kicks off Homecoming Hustle with runners and walkers in the background. Mayor Van Campen takes a picture with a winner holding her prize. “The Homecoming Hustle is one of those events I always look forward to because it brings so many people from our community together,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “It’s especially meaningful to see so many current and former students come out to honor Janet O’Neill, who made such a lasting impact on Everett and our schools. I know she would be proud to see this tradition continue in her memory, all while supporting an important cause that helps people right here in our community.” “I thank everyone on my Runners compete at the finish line for the Homecoming Hustle. Mayor Van Campen poses for a picture with a member of the Everett community. Two participants pose for a photo. Chairperson of the School Committee Samantha Hurley and School Committee member Robin Hurley take a selfie. team and at City Hall for maintaining the Homecoming Hustle tradition and honoring the memory of Janet O’Neill,” said Superintendent William D. Hart. “We had an impressive range of runners and walkers representing the past, present, and future of our city and the Everett Public Schools. Thanks also to everyone who attended our Pancake Breakfast benefiting the Crimson Tide Athletic Department, which was an awesome way to conclude a great weekend of Homecoming festivities.” The morning began at the Recreation Center, where participants gathered to check in and register for the race. Students were able to participate in the 5K free of charge, encouraging young people to take part in the annual tradition. (Left to Right) Special Assistant to the Mayor Chris Connolly, Mayor Robert Van Campen, (Sisters of the Late Janet Connolly-O’Neil), Julie Connolly-O’Neill, Joanne Connolly-Leach, Superintendent William Hart, Executive Office Manager to the Mayor Kristin Leonard and First Lady Lisa Van Campen. Runners and walkers then lined up outside the Recreation Center before heading down Elm Street, where Annual 5K honors the memory of former Assistant Principal Janet O’Neill and supports cancer screening programs family members, friends and neighbors cheered them on along the course. The race concluded at Glendale Park, where spectators welcomed participants across the finish line with cheers and applause. Awards were presented to the top overall finishers, along with winners in various age divisions. Jeffrey Silver of Boston claimed first place in the men’s division, while 15-yearold Everett resident Lina Serrar took the top spot in the women’s division. Following the race, participants continued the Homecoming tradition with the annual Pancake Breakfast at Everett High School. Beyond bringing the community together, the Homecoming Hustle also supported an important cause. All proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the Massachusetts Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (MBCCP) at Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), which helps provide access to cancer screenings and related services for individuals who may otherwise face barriers to care. “We are grateful for the support of our Breast and Cervical Cancer programs,” said Doug Kress, chief community officer at Cambridge Health Alliance. “The Mass Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and the See Test and Treat initiative provide screenings for cervical cancer and breast/chest cancer for individuals who lack insurance coverage or are underinsured for these services. We help patients connect to services to remove barriers to these life-saving screenings.” The 2026 Homecoming Hustle continued a longstanding Everett tradition, bringing together students, alumni, families and neighbors to celebrate their community, support access to preventive healthcare and remember an educator who made a lasting difference in the lives of Everett students. To view the official race results, visit Elitefeats by scanning the QR code.
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