There are probably very few things that would inspire most high school students to want to attend a school-related event on a weekend. Even fewer events would be likely to draw enough interest to compel students to show up early on a Sunday morning a few hours after prom night.</p><p>However, that is what occurred last weekend as numerous high schoolers and others assembled to honor Dustin Hobbs and Gianni Caropreso at the fourth annual Dustin Hobbs Fun Run. </p><p>"It's really impressive to all of us that people still come out - in particular the adults and the returning students of Mr. Hobbs," said teacher Tim McNally as he spoke to those who assembled to remember the event's namesake.</p><p>Between 200 and 300 attendees including students, alumni, members of the faculty, city dignitaries, private citizens assembled at Pacheco State Park near Dinosaur Point just after 8 a.m.</p><p>After paying a $15 participation fee and choosing from a selection of custom made shirts, caps, and headbands, people could run or walk the 5-mile, 3-mile or 1-mile courses that had been set up. New this year, a quarter mile walk/run, in remembrance of the young Gianni Caropreso, was also available for elementary school students and toddlers.</p><p>In his 33 years of life, former Los Banos High School teacher Dustin Hobbs left an indelible mark on the hearts of many of the people that knew him. Six years after leukemia caused his untimely death, Hobbs' legacy continues to inspire others. Two scholarships, one bearing his name (the Hobbs Scholarship fund) as well as the Gianni Caropreso Scholarship fund were replenished during the event last weekend.</p><p>Councilwoman Elizabeth Stone, who was motivated to become a teacher in part by Hobbs, was one of the first speakers. Stone read from a letter she had penned to Hobbs posthumously as part of a writing assignment she was given in advance of receiving her own teaching credential. </p><p>Stone was moved to tears as she read, "You were an inspiring part of my life when I was a student in your class and you continue to be an inspiration to me as I embark on my journey to becoming a teacher."</p><p>She spoke about how, despite his classes being challenging, Hobbs had provided a safe, fun, and humorous learning environment. Stone also shared how the class would dress up for, as she put it, "those awful skits" Hobbs made them do, and she smiled as she noted that the best part about it was that Hobbs would dress up with them despite the fact he was not participating in the skit. </p><p>Stone also spoke about Gianni Caropreso saying, "In the short time he was with us on this earth, he shared the same kind of passion for life and the same kind of attitude that Mr. Hobbs showed when he was with us."</p><p>Gianni Caropreso's grandmother Pat Puthuff of Turlock also spoke just before the run. "He meant so much to us." She said. "If he didn't teach us anything else, he taught us how precious life is."</p><p>She also spoke about Los Ba&#241;osans, "You people are just awesome, you have just gave and gave and gave. I've never seen a town like it."</p><p>She went on to thank everyone for coming out and for all of the support the family has been given. Dustin Caropreso, Gianni's father also spoke and expressed his appreciation to the crowd.</p><p>After the speeches concluded a varied assortment of athletes, families, students, and others lined up at the trailhead where the run was to commence. McNally (one of the primary organizers) gave the go signal.</p><p>The athletes who had assembled at the front of the crowd took off like a shot, followed by a large assortment of people who were a bit more sedate. Some were pushing strollers, others carried toddlers on their shoulders, but most, like Mayor Tommy Jones, just seemed to be walking at a comfortable pace with their friends.</p><p>Upon returning from the conquest of one of the three courses on the hill, participants were treated to refreshments such as fruit, cookies, and water which were donated by Safeway Corporate, Food 4 Less and Savemart.</p><p>Los Ba&#241;os High School Principal Dan Martin expressed his appreciation, "I'd like to thank everybody for coming out. A special thanks goes to the history society for helping to organize this event and Mr. McNally and Michael Stagnerro and all the students that every lunchtime were sitting in front of the office selling tickets."