The Sentinel

Unity alumna remembered; Savannah Day Memorial Race this Friday

Celebrate Savannah Day’s legacy with a 2.96-mile walk/run Friday in Sidney. All proceeds go to a girls’ athletics scholarship.

SIDNEY - The memory of Savannah Day will be honored this Friday evening as runners and walkers gather for the annual Savannah Day 2.96 Memorial Run/Walk. The race, which steps off at 7 p.m. on July 25, 2025, serves as both a tribute and a fundraiser, celebrating the life and passion of a young woman whose dedication to athletics and community continues to inspire.

Unity's Savannah Day runs at state cross country meet

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Savannah Day heads to the finish line at the 2016 IHSA Girls Cross Country State Finals, helping the Rockets to a second-place finish. Friday's race in Sidney will celebrate her legacy and help raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship.

Savannah Day, an 18-year-old college freshman studying kinesiology, tragically lost her life in a car-train collision on October 3, 2018. The accident occurred just south of St. Joseph as she returned home from cross-country practice at Danville Area Community College. Her death sent shockwaves through the community and the broader running world, particularly among those who knew her from her standout high school career.

Day was a key contributor to Unity High School’s cross-country and track programs, helping lead the Rockets to IHSA Class 1A cross-country state titles in both 2015 and 2017. Known for her bright spirit, kind heart, and boundless energy, Savannah’s impact extended well beyond the course. "It's a sad day for our school, our community and everyone who was fortunate to know Savannah and her smile," said former Unity Athletic Director Scott Hamilton told The News-Gazette following her passing.

The memorial event was created to honor her legacy and raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship. All proceeds from the race directly support the scholarship, which benefits local female athletes pursuing their academic and athletic goals — just as Savannah did.

Same-day registration will be available at the event site beginning at 5:30 p.m. There is no additional fee for registering late. While pre-registration officially closed on July 16, participants may still sign up by emailing their form to savannahday2.96@gmail.com and submitting the $25 fee via Venmo. Forms can also be downloaded and mailed to the race address with payment.

Support for the memorial run continues to grow, with this year’s event made possible by generous sponsorships from the Town of Sidney, InsureChampaign, Sidney Fire Department, Spring Green of St. Joseph, The Sidney Saloon, Center For Your Health in Philo, Don’s Auto Center in Homer, Castle Home Comfort Heating & Air of Champaign, The Artega Insurance Group - Country Financial, IGA in St. Joseph, Winstons Old Bank in Sidney, and Sidney Dairy Barn.

Sunday morning breakfast returns to Tolono Masonic Lodge

The Masonic Lodge in Tolono will host its July community breakfast on July 27. All are welcome.

Delicious biscuts and gravy for breakfast

Photo: Vickie McCarty/Pixabay

A warm plate of delicious biscuits and gravy like these, and eggs cooked to order will be served at Sunday's breakfast.

TOLONO - The Tolono Masonic Lodge #391 will open its doors to the community on Sunday, July 27, for its popular breakfast event. Running from 8 a.m. to noon at 202 E. Main Street, the breakfast is part of the lodge’s ongoing effort to bring neighbors together over good food and fellowship.

The menu features a wide variety of classic breakfast favorites, including French toast, pancakes, and eggs cooked to order. Diners can also enjoy fresh omelets, biscuits and gravy, crispy hashbrowns, and both sausage patties and links. Beverages include milk, orange juice and water, making it a filling meal for all ages.

Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. The breakfast is open to the public and proceeds help support local Masonic lodge activities. Organizers encourage early attendance, as the event often draws a steady crowd throughout the morning.