Vince Stubstad is the Wellness and Driver Education Teacher, Behind the Wheel Coordinator, Head Golf Coach, and Intramural Coordinator at Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy. That in itself should keep Vince pretty busy. However, he does not stop making an impact there. He goes inside and outside of Proviso’s walls to make a difference for his students and beyond.
Each year, Vince (or Mr. Stubs as his students call him) organizes the school, their families, and the entire faculty to participate in Oak Brook Park District’s Pink 5k as part of Team Proviso.
“It is so nice to see students, their parents and the superintendent as well as principal, security guard, counselors and teachers outside of the classroom exercising and supporting a great cause,” Vince explained.
The Pink 5k benefits Hinsdale Hospital Foundation’s Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund which provides free mammograms to women in need, due to lack or insufficiency of insurance.
“We like that it is a local event, and we know where the money is going. Each year, we strive to have more people on our team because it’s a good cause. We are trying to make it a district-wide event,” he shared.
Inside the classroom walls, Vince encourages the students to look beyond the Pink 5k as only a race. He inspires them to utilize their skills and talents to take the event to the next level.
Jaylah Henderson, a student at Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy, chose the Pink 5k as her class project. She researched ways to incorporate Snapchat and Instagram as registration platforms for her classmates to sign up for the event.
“Everyone has found ways to make this event their own. Some show up to run the race, some to enjoy the free food and freebies, while others use it to meet up with their friends,” added Vince.
A senior at Proviso explained, “We like that the event is not as competitive as you think. You can walk and stay with your friends, or you can race to beat ‘Stubs.’”
Many of the students shared that their favorite memories are running alongside Mr. Stubstad as well as the positive community it created at school. Vince has done a tremendous job engaging his students and challenging them in healthy and positive ways – inside and outside of the classroom.
“They all have their own personal goals. That’s medal-worthy – whether or not they win the race,” Vince noted.
No matter what your personal goal is for the Pink 5k this year, we encourage you to join the Oak Brook Park District on and off the course. No matter how we cross the finish line, we are all champions of positive change in our community.