Pascal’s Way 5K returns to Islamorada, honors memorial legacy

Pascal Weisberger was 14 when tragedy cut short his life on May 7, 2020, but the Islamorada memorial built in his name has only grown stronger as a community tradition anchored in service, science and the environment.

The fifth annual Pascal’s Way 5K is set for Saturday, May 2, starting at 8 a.m. at Treasure Village Montessori and running to the southern entrance of the Forest Tek Lumber complex before turning back to the school. Organizers say the race has raised thousands of dollars since it began, with the money supporting charities, programs and scholarships tied to the schools Pascal attended and thrived in.

This year, proceeds will go to the Pascal’s Way Scholarship for community-service-oriented seniors from Coral Shores High School’s Class of 2026, along with science programs at Treasure Village Montessori in Islamorada and Ocean Studies Charter School in Key Largo. The Pascal’s Way Fund, maintained by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, supports the causes closest to Pascal’s heart, including science, the environment, animals and community, while creating scholarship opportunities for youth who share his commitment to kindness and action.

Pascal’s legacy reaches far beyond the race course. Local coverage has described him as a student, volunteer, Scout, animal lover and environmental advocate who spent hours at the Upper Keys Humane Society and joined shoreline cleanups. His father, Ari Poholek, said the monthly cleanup tradition grew out of the debris pickups Pascal started and joined during his more than six years at Ocean Studies Charter School. A cleanup at Old Settlers Park on April 25 reinforced that side of the tribute, just as past Day of Service events have done at places like Harry Harris Park, where one effort removed about 500 pounds of debris.

The weekend also includes a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, May 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Burton Memorial United Methodist Church in Tavernier. Runners and walkers will receive a T-shirt, magnet and wristband, along with post-race refreshments, a raffle and a slideshow celebrating Pascal’s life. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual 5K will run through May 30, extending a memorial that has become one of the Upper Keys’ most recognizable acts of remembrance.