Ellie Decker stands with Wayne and Elaine Hotelling.

Ellie Decker stands with Wayne and Elaine Hotelling.

SILVER CREEK — Ellie Decker of Silver Creek was presented by Wayne and Elaine Hotelling with a prize from Runner’s Roost at Silver Creek High School for her winning design marking the 25th anniversary of the Laurel Run. Ellie’s design was selected from a series of finalists that was featured in the Dunkirk OBSERVER and will be showcased throughout the Laurel Run activities on Friday and Saturday.

Ellie spent some time talking about the process that went into the design. Completed in Paul Abate’s advanced computer graphics class this year, Ellie worked for a long time to master the program and really thought about what the logo meant. Her goal was to put forth a design that was unique with a lot of symbolism but also held true to the themes associated with Laurel Run.

She described how the wings not only represent the “mercury shoe” associated with running, but were doubled to also honor Laurel, the Hotelling family’s “angel” who passed away in 2017. She even worked to create individual designs for the hearts featured in the shoe.

This allowed her to show how Laurel’s legacy brings together peoples’ “hearts” into one community with the Laurel Run representing the “soul/sole” of goodness and joy that Laurel’s legacy helps everyone achieve.

“The toughest race you’ll love to run” is exemplified in this design and is very fitting for the 25th Anniversary. From her work with Special Olympics, her past participation in the Laurel Run, her academic and athletic achievements, Coach Ray Graf says “Ellie embodies all the things that make Laurel Run so special to people and the community.”

The Laurel Run and Walk will be Saturday with events and the Laurel Relay occurring Friday as well. For more information, please go to www.laurel-run.com.