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Race to benefit HHS student injured in crash

Friends (from left) Raphaela Cristeli, Isla Clarke and Sophia Carolino are pictured in this photo shared on the GoFundMe page set up to aid Cristeli following a car accident in 2025.

Hopkinton High School will host the Run for Rafa 5K fundraiser on Saturday, June 20, at 9 a.m.

The event will benefit Raphaela Cristeli, affectionately known as Rafa, and her family. Cristeli, then a 16-year-old Hopkinton High School rising junior, was hit by a car while walking across the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge on July 4, 2025. She was attending an annual Independence Day weekend celebration with friends. Cristeli sustained life-threatening injuries and had multiple surgeries.

“Several students close to Rafa wanted to come together to support her and her family and came up with the idea of a ‘Run for Rafa,’ ” explained HHS principal Justin Pominville via email. “A few of their parents approached [varsity girls lacrosse coach Marisa] Remley about getting the lacrosse program involved, as Rafa is a cherished member of the program.”

“As a team, we also wanted to find a meaningful way to support Rafa and her family, and a community ‘fun run’ felt like the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together,” stated Remley in an email. “Given Hopkinton’s rich running history, it seemed like a fitting way to maximize involvement.”

The 5K run/walk will start at 9 a.m. People can register to run or walk or to volunteer.

A post-race celebration set up at the finish line will feature music by an HHS student and DJ, community partner booths and a raffle with curated baskets highlighting local businesses and organizations.

Stated Remley: “We hope it will be a fun and impactful way to support the Cristelis and come together as a community to support one another.”

Remley shared information about Rafa’s character.

“Rafa is a kind, empathetic and genuine person who consistently makes those around her feel welcome and valued,” she stated. “She goes out of her way to include others, whether inviting a classmate to join her group or checking in on friends and teammates who may need support. She is funny, creative, and has an energy that positively impacts whatever space she is in.

“Rafa also demonstrated her willingness to take on a new challenge by trying out for the lacrosse team last year, despite not having played the sport before, and quickly became a valued member of our program,” Remley continued. “Throughout the past year, she has continued to show extraordinary strength, resiliency and determination as she recovers.”

— MARY ELLEN GAMBON

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Photo of the Day

Andrew Cooper rides in Saturday’s Senior Car Parade alongside an inflatable Clemson University mascot. Click here to see more photos of the parade.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO