Before the Jan. 12 earthquake struck the small country of Haiti, killing more than 230,000 people and costing 1,000,000 people their homes and livelihood, Seton School in Manassas was involved in Haiti.

For many years Seton has made an effort to help the Haitians. Annual efforts like Seton’s Haiti Run, the Thanksgiving three-on-three basketball tournament, the uniform closet, the sophomore dance and collecting of supplies to be sent through the Manassas-based Medical Missionaries are examples of the small-scale relief that Seton has provided. Seton seniors regularly help load huge containers of supplies destined to be distributed in Haiti by the Medical Missionaries.

Proceeds from some of the fundraising activities go to Seton’s sponsored school, St. Thomas, in the city of Thomassique, Haiti. Two years ago, Seton’s guidance counselor and Haiti Project advisor, Sheila O’Herron, was able to experience firsthand the poor living conditions in Haiti. She went to Thomassique in order to help implement Seton’s work at its sponsored school. This school gives its students meals and other necessities that most do not receive at home.

O’Herron’s visit had a profound effect on her. “I was overwhelmed by the poverty there,” she said. “I had read and heard about it but did not realize until I saw it how needy the people are.”

She was also struck by the gratitude Haitians express to anyone who helps to alleviate their poverty even slightly. No matter how meager, whatever money or items Seton donates are more significant and useful in Haiti than they ever could be in the United States. This is due to the fact that, on average, Haitians live on about $2 a day. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Even before the devastation of the earthquake, the majority of the population lived in abject poverty and was often subjected to starvation and disease due to a lack of clean water, proper sanitation and sufficient food sources.

Last November more than 100 runners congregated at Signal Hill Park in Manassas for the annual Haiti Run. Runners participated by obtaining sponsors and running as many miles as they could during the event’s three-hour time block.

Teacher Shannon Shannon organized the run in conjunction with the “big sister-little sister” student program, whose members accounted for much of the large turnout. The “big sister-little sister” program also designed T-shirts for the run and provided a refreshment tent for the runners.

Parent Ken Groves helped to organize the event and remained on site to track the miles of the runners and walkers. Coach Dennis Violet of the cross-country team set up the one-mile course that runners followed through woods and over paths, and Dr. Gil Irwin and Carolyn Jeans from Medical Missionaries supported and encouraged the runners.

This year’s Haiti Run raised about $3,500. As usual, Principal Anne Carroll brought in the most contributions. Seton alumnus Steve Egan and freshman Stephan Shaw tied for the most miles (17 miles). Anna Cook, Theresa Cook, Julie Fioramonti, Cristina Genoese-Zerbi, Joe Groves, Nora Mulhern and Peter Quinan all ran more than nine miles.

Every fall, Seton also hosts a three-on-three basketball tournament. This popular event raises funds for Haiti by charging the competitors in the match a fee to compete and by charging spectators an admission fee.

This year more than 25 teams competed in the three-on-three. Spectators were well supplied with both entertainment and excitement as they watched the intense four-hour tournament. Teams for this event included students of all ages, teachers and alumni. The team taking the first place title for the tournament’s upper division included teacher Dick Pennefather, alumnus Michael Salomon, class of ’09, and senior Justin Wykowski.

Seniors Paul Hurst and Tim VanderWoude helped organize and run the tournament. Pennefather organized the various teams and efficiently kept them on track. Teacher Karen Parriott and O’Herron sold pizza. Many other Setonites helped set up the gym and sound system and collect admission fees.

With combined concessions and admission revenues, the three-on-three tournament raised $1,435. All proceeds from the tournament are being used to help feed the children, elderly and impoverished of Thomassique.

The final efforts of the year will be the annual sophomore dance and additional collections of toiletries and first-aid supplies. Nearly all in the Seton community were involved in at least one of the efforts for Haiti. As long as the need remains, Seton will remain with the Haitians.