By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO–Montevallo and surrounding Shelby County residents will have the opportunity to walk or run in an upcoming 5K to benefit the Ora L. Jones Memorial Foundation, while also supporting three local students that will receive scholarships.

The second annual Ora Jones Memorial 5K will take place Saturday, May 7 beginning at 7 a.m. at Montevallo’s Orr Park.

The purpose of the 5K is to honor Montevallo resident Ora Jones, who passed away in 2011 from congestive heart failure, with all proceeds from the event going toward scholarships to eligible Shelby County students.

For the past four years, the foundation has honored Jones by donating a scholarship to one deserving local high school graduate.

However, over the past two years the foundation has grown and after the inaugural 5K in 2015, more than $8,000 in scholarships were awarded to students.

“Throughout her life, Jones significantly impacted and influenced countless individuals by rendering sacrificial service,” according to the foundation’s website.

The scholarships were established to help educate a child in order to motivate them to live out the principles modeled by Jones so that they can demonstrate a life of service by reaching back and helping somebody else along life’s journey.

At the conclusion of the Memorial 5K on May 7, a health fair will take place at Orr Park for those interested.

The early registration cost for the race is $17.50 and includes a T-shirt. Those registering after the April 16 early registration deadline or on race day will pay $20.

For more information on the foundation or to download a race registration form, visit can be found at Orajonesfoundation.org.