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Stella Maris Academy will celebrate community and tradition Oct. 11 with its annual Fall Flannel Fest, highlighted this year by the first-ever Father Ben 5K.
The festival, which serves as the academy’s activities fundraiser, begins at 9 a.m. with the run on the school’s brand-new 5K continuous-loop trail. The race honors Father Ben Hadrich, a beloved chaplain during the school’s first two years who continues to inspire students and families.
“Father Ben was an avid runner and just loved to be around kids,” said Chris Lemke, activities director at Stella Maris Academy.
Hadrich’s health challenges have limited his ability to stay active, but the academy wanted to recognize his mark on its community.
“He was our Stella Maris Academy high school chaplain for our first two years,” Lemke said. “His health has not allowed Father to be active with the school.”
At 10:30 a.m., the school will honor Hadrich, along with sponsors and winning runners. After the recognition ceremony, the festival continues from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with food, hay rides and sports challenges designed for families.
For Stella Maris, the Fall Flannel Fest is about more than one day of community. It reflects the growth of a school now in its fourth year of high school, preparing to graduate its first senior class this spring, and student participation in activities continues to expand.
“Enrollment at the high school campus is pushing 200 — so things are going really well,” Lemke said.
This fall, student-athletes are representing Stella Maris across various activities. The academy fields high school teams in cross country running, fall trap, girls swimming and girls tennis. The academy also offers girls and boys soccer and football through cooperation agreements with Proctor.
The momentum carries into winter, when Stella Maris students participate in activities on the stage, in the gym and across the ski trails. Winter offerings include one-act play, girls basketball (grades 7-10), boys basketball (grades 7-12), cross country skiing, cheer/pep squad, alpine skiing, literary magazine, the winter/spring literary luncheon, martial arts, and grade school basketball for both boys and girls.
By spring, the focus shifts again, with opportunities for athletes and performers alike. Stella Maris students participate in track and field, boys tennis, softball, baseball, spring trap, the spring musical, golf, and sixth-grade track and field.
Together, the fall, winter and spring lineups showcase how Stella Maris blends academics, faith and extracurricular opportunities to build a complete student experience.
For many at Stella Maris, Father Ben remains more than a former chaplain. He is a joyful presence who shaped the school in its early days, helping students and families build a faith-centered identity for the academy.
His enthusiasm for running, his genuine connection with young people and his willingness to attend games and school events left a legacy that students still feel today. The Father Ben 5K, Lemke said, is meant to honor that impact and carry forward his example.
The Father Ben 5K is expected to draw participants beyond the Stella Maris student body. Organizers see it as a new tradition that honors the past while creating opportunities for the future.
“This event is open to the community,” Lemke said. “You are invited to attend as well.”
More information, including Father Ben 5K registration, is available at sentinelactivities.academy/flannelfest.