Melissa Coochise is passing the baton over to her son, Cash, to keep the All Island Track Meet action happening in the family.

As a fourth- and fifth-grader in 1986-87, Melissa participated in the vital community event, and now it’s Northwood Elementary School fourth-grader Cash’s turn to hit the Mercer Island High School track during the 50th annual event. The Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club-hosted meet will take place from 1-3:30 p.m. on June 10. Check-in starts at 12:30 p.m.

The mission of meet organizers is to encourage a fun, positive, sportsmanship-based, competitive experience for Island fourth- and fifth-graders from Lakeridge, Island Park, Northwood, West Mercer and St. Monica elementaries.

“The All Island Track Meet was one of my favorite events,” Melissa said. “It was so fun to get all the schools together since we didn’t have any other events like that. I’m so excited for this year’s event and to see it through the lens of Cash’s mom instead of a participant.”

A highlight of the event will be the Jessie Jaramillo “400m Fun Run,” a one-lap run for all to memorialize the former Island Park coach who passed away in August of 2012. Two months earlier, Jaramillo led his team to victory in the All Island Track Meet.

Aaron Kornblum is looking forward to emceeing the event again this year.

“Our young student athletes bring incredible energy and such a high level of sportsmanship to Islander Stadium,” he said.

Lakeridge physical education specialist Tani Lindquist echoed Kornblum’s sentiments and added: “For many students, this is their first opportunity to be involved in track and field events. The whole experience is really exciting for our students. They love rooting for each other, including their friends from other schools.”

Casey Alin, West Mercer physical education specialist, has enjoyed being a part of the event for the last 22-plus years. It’s a rich and exciting Island tradition that promotes inclusivity, friendly competition and school spirit, Alin added.

“To this very day, I stay in touch with a few former students, now well into their 20s, and the All Island Track Meet still pops up in conversations. Super, super fun,” Alin said.

The meet — which was cancelled the last two years due to the pandemic — will feature food trucks and there will be event shirts for sale. For more information, contact miathletics@positiveplace.org. To purchase shirts in advance, visit https://miallislandtrackmeet2022.itemorder.com/shop/sale/.