WEATHERSFIELD, Vt. – The fifth annual Lace Up for Laura Memorial 5K and Kids’ Fun Run will be held on Saturday, June 28, marking a milestone year for this inspiring event. Created in memory of Laura Cody McNaughton, who passed away tragically in 2018, the race honors her legacy by celebrating community, connection, and the power of physical and mental wellbeing in nature.
Since its founding, the event has awarded more than $50,000 for the Laura Cody McNaughton Memorial Fund, which supports local high school seniors pursuing higher education. This year, the fund is proud to award another $12,000 in scholarships to two exceptional students.
We are thrilled to announce Maya Rentas as the 2025 Laura Cody McNaughton Scholarship recipient in the amount of $10,000. Rentas will graduate from Bellows Falls Union High School and attend the University of Vermont, where she plans to major in biochemistry, with a minor in molecular genetics, on a premedical track. A well-rounded leader, Rentas has contributed to her school community through band, student council, athletics, and by founding Students of Color United, a club that offers a safe space for students of color. She also served as class treasurer, and was inducted into the National Honor Society and National Music Honor Society. Outside the classroom, Rentas worked as a technology intern, and held a summer job at a local ice cream parlor. “This scholarship has lifted a great burden off my family, and my mother even cried when she heard the news. I am very excited for this opportunity, and to be a part of Laura and her story. Thank you to the foundation and the family for blessing me with this scholarship,” said Rentas.
The $2,000 Achievement Award goes to Camden Gramling, a senior at Springfield High School who embodies leadership, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to service. Gramling is a three-sport athlete, and captain of both the soccer and softball teams. She serves as president of the National Honor Society, maintains a 4.0 GPA in early college classes, and has pursued health care through the health sciences program at River Valley Technical Center. She works as a patient care attendant at Mt. Ascutney Hospital, and has logged more than 80 hours of community service. Gramling will study public health at the University of Vermont this fall, with the goal of becoming a physician assistant. We are honored to support her journey and celebrate her dedication to helping others.
For details on this year’s Lace Up for Laura Memorial 5K and Kids’ Fun Run, visit www.laceupforlaura.com.
© 2025 Vermont Journal
