Race Proceeds Will Establish Billy Sprague Scholarship Fund

HALCOTTSVILLE — Proceeds from the 12th annual Wawaka Lake 5K Run and Walk will help establish the William “Billy” Sprague Scholarship Fund.

Bill was a beloved community member and was the Superintendent of Highways for the Town of Roxbury until his death last January at age 50, following a short illness.

The longtime public servant began his tenure with the Roxbury Highway Department in October 1999. He was named Deputy Superintendent of Highways in January 2008 and held that position until taking over as Superintendent of Highways in January 2020. He also served as treasurer of the Delaware County Highway Superintendent Association. 

A lifelong resident of the Town of Roxbury, Bill was well-known for his strong work ethic and kind nature. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Amy, two adult children and three grandchildren. Survivors also include three sisters and a brother.

Proceeds from the Wawaka Lake 5K Run and Walk are donated to a nonprofit each year. Organizers decided that establishing the William “Billy” Sprague Scholarship Fund with donations to this year’s event would be a fitting tribute to someone who dedicated his life to public service. Details are being finalized that will provide scholarship awards to a senior graduating Roxbury Central School and/or someone graduating with high honors from the Equipment Operation and Repair program at NCOC BOCES. It is the hope of the Wawaka Lake 5K sponsors that donations will allow this to be an annual award. Anyone who isn’t able to participate in the 5K and wants to donate to the scholarship fund should send a check to: HFD (Memo: Billy Sprague Scholarship Fund), PO Box 97, Halcottsville, NY 12438.

This year’s race around the scenic Wawaka Lake in Halcottsville is set for Saturday, Aug. 23 starting at 9 a.m. Pre-race registration is $25 for adults ($30 on race day) and $15 for ages 8-12 ($20 on race day. Participants ages seven participate for free in the Kids’ Dash. 

Everyone registering for the run/walk by August 1 is guaranteed to receive a commemorative event T-shirt. The entry fee also entitles race entrants to a post-event breakfast. The annual meal at the Halcottsville Fire Department is open to the public with a freewill donation added to the race proceeds.

To register online, visit raceroster.com and search for Wawaka Lake 5K. For additional information, please contact Kathy Johnson at 845 586-2605 or Christy Goodell at 845 594-3486.