Katie Chalifoux

Katie Chalifoux was born in October of 1984 to Janice and Robert Chalifoux. The youngest of five children, Katie spent her childhood in Boylston, surrounded by a closely-knit group of friends. At Tahanto Regional High School, Katie was not only a scholar, but she was also active in sports (soccer, basketball, and softball), music (clarinet and piano), and numerous extra-curricular activities (class officer, Model United Nations, and Student Council).

Katie’s full life came to an unexpected and tragic end in January of 2008, after she succumbed to complications following an accident in New York City.  At the time of her death, Katie was working as a teacher at Wild Blue, an enrichment program for children on the upper east side of Manhattan.  She loved life and was living out her dream of living in New York City.  She was the epitome of “living life to the fullest”.  She did that everyday.

Katie had a gigantic smile and a magnetic personality that made her impossible to ignore. Those who had the pleasure of meeting Katie were also privileged to experience her genius sense of humor and infectious, yet mischievous, laugh. She was beautiful on the inside and out, and even with all of her accomplishments, she managed to be humble and completely grounded. Katie Chalifoux was a refreshing ray of light.

To know Katie was to love her, and to love her was certainly a blessing.

Katie’s 5K Scholarship Road Race was conceived in the months after her passing. A 5K Road Race had always been a staple of Boylston’s Memorial Celebration on the town common, but it’s popularity was beginning to wane.  When the race was renamed and reworked in Katie’s memory in 2008, the race committee made sure to continue honoring our nation’s veterans by donating proceeds to the Veteran’s Inc. organization in Worcester (www.veteransinc.org).
In addition to donating to our veterans, a scholarship was set up in Katie’s name at Tahanto Regional High School where Katie was a member of the class of 2003.  The scholarship is awarded yearly at graduation and is given to females graduating from Boylston who are moving on to a two or four year college degree program.

Katie’s 5K has become one of the best and most challenging races in Central Massachusetts.  The popularity of Katie’s Race has allowed for many thousands of dollars to be given to those who protect our country and deserving students each year. Katie had a big heart and a giving spirit.

There is no better way to honor a great friend and a great person than by giving back to the community in her memory.