Continuing the challenge: event raises scholarship funds in memory of Carr-Larson

By Matthew Call, Daily Register

The work of former Portage teacher Colette Carr-Larson continues today, more than four years after she was killed by her estranged husband, Alan Larson, in February 2004.

Friends and family of Carr-Larson held the fifth Colette's Challenge on Thursday, keeping her memory alive and raising money for scholarships.

"It gets better every year," said Becky Carr, 19, Carr-Larson's daughter who is finishing up her first year studying biology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. "It's great to see everybody."

The challenge featured a walk/run around the track at Bob Mael Field between Portage Junior High School and Woodridge Elementary School, face-painting, a silent auction and T-shirt and bake sales.

Last year's event raised $2,400, with a $1,000 matching grant from Thrivent Financial.

The challenge initially raised money for Carr-Larson's children, Becky and her now 5-year-old brother, Conner McConnell.

"Since then it's been a scholarship," Angie Zarecki, one of the event's organizers, said.

The money raised funds scholarships for "at-promise" students (formerly referred to as "at-risk") in the Portage school system. Carr-Larson was a teacher in the at-promise program at John Muir Elementary School.

Participants donated money to the event, pinned numbers to their shirts and took a few laps around the track to music played over a public-address system.

"It doesn't matter however long they want to walk," said Krista Pulver, another organizer.

mcall@capitalnewspapers.com

745-3510