Inaugural Alphas for Autism 5k Run & Walk Great Success, Raises $1,500 for Ag for Autism

Jonesboro, ARK. Apr. 16, 2025 - It was a beautiful day on the Arkansas State University (A-State) campus Saturday, April 12. Perfect weather for the inaugural Alphas for Autism 5K Run & Walk. Approximately 100 people showed up for the event, and about half participated in the run or walk.

The male overall running winner was Isaiah Azubuike of St Louis, MO. The female overall running winner was Chiara Casteghaio of Paragould, AR.

The male winner of the overall walking category was Harry Wakefoose. The female winner of the overall walking category was Kesha Allen.

Male and female age group winner awards were also given out. The age group category of one to 17 was won by Aaron Mack and Rakhel Nogueira. The age group 18 to 34 category was won by Shane Caviness and Miki Imazato. The age group category of 35 to 54 was won by Tyler Woodard and Lori White. The age group category of 55 and over was won by Chris Powers, and Pam Powers.

After the race, attendees enjoyed networking, refreshments, and dancing to the popular sounds of DJ KSookie Sensational Sounds LLC from Germantown, Tenn.  

Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. fraternity member, A.T.L.A.S. Transition Program student and the student who led the organization of the 5K Kelby Mack said, “I felt like this race was a great success.  I really appreciate all the support and volunteers we had that made this event possible. I saw a lot of laughter and people getting to know each other. I feel like the event brought us all closer together and I was glad to see the community support and enjoyment at the event. I hope everyone comes out again for next year’s event." 

Alphas for Autism 5K Winners

Back row (L to R): Aaron Mack of Marion, Shane Caviness of Greenbrier, Isaiah Azubuike of St. Louis, Chiara Casteghaio of Paragould, Pam Powers of Paragould, Chris Powers of Paragould. Front row (L to R): Tyler Woodard of Brookland, Miki Imazato of Jonesboro, Rakhel Nogueira of Jonesboro, Lori White of Wynne, and Kesha Allen of Paragould.

Autism Acceptance Month is an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where people with autism are supported, understood, and empowered. The month is meant to highlight the issues affecting people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families, educate the public on support services, and celebrate people with ASD.

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects how the brain develops. For many years, autism was misunderstood, and individuals with autism faced discrimination in schools, workplaces, and communities. This month is the perfect time for us to not only raise awareness about autism but, more importantly, to promote inclusivity, according to transitionabilities.com.

According to the CDC, one in 36 children in the United States had been identified as having ASD as of April 2023.

The Alpha Phi Alpha Theta Upsilon chapter at A-State was established on May 19, 1973, by a group of students coined the “Tenacious Ten,” and the fraternity’s first supervisor was Dr. Herman Strickland. The Alpha’s motto, “First of all, Servants of all, We shall transcend all,” embodies their history as the first intercollegiate fraternity founded by African American men. Their mission is to provide service to their communities and their areas of focus are manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all. A-State’s Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity Theta Upsilon chapter is currently led by President Martavius Hopkins.

Ag for Autism’s mission is to empower and support individuals and families in rural communities impacted by autism. The organization is dedicated to raising funds and offering grants to improve access to vital resources, therapies, and services. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, they strive to build a brighter, more inclusive future for the autism community.

Since 2012, over $1 million has been raised to assist those living with autism or those serving in an educational role in the autism community. To date, Ag for Autism has raised and granted over $1 million to local schools and individuals, according to agforautism.org.

For more information, please contact the RESTORE Hub at A-State Marketing and Public Relations Officer Jessica Rainwater at (870) 972-3911 or jrainwater@AState.edu.