T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Pictured is participants at the Corey Brown bench dedication ceremony Tuesday at Miller Middle School. From left are Miller Associate Principal Dave Glenn, Miller Principal Pat Rial, Nancy Mach of the Marshall County Landfill, Miller staff member Ryan O’Neal, Corey’s mother Michelle Brown, Marshalltown Schools Superintendent Theron Schutte, Corey’s father Craig Brown, Miller staff member Creighton Jenness, Corey’s grandmother Mary Johnson and Miller staff member Jen O’Neal.

Marshalltown youth Corey Brown died tragically earlier this year but Miller Middle School students worked on a unique project to keep his memory alive.

Family members, Miller Middle School staff and others gathered Tuesday to honor the memory of former Miller student Brown, who died at age 13.

Two benches are now located by a tree near the bus stop at the school and were made possible by a Miller student-led project in a partnership with the Marshall County Landfill and a grant from the Iowa Grocery Industry Association.

The two benches are made from 21,200 recycled plastic grocery bags, Nancy Mach, recycling coordinator with the Marshall County Landfill said. They feature the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks logo, Corey’s Brown’s favorite professional sports team.

“The Seattle Seahawks were extremely helpful and prompt in honoring our request to place their logo on the benches. The students learned so many valuable skills, such as grant writing, learning how to get information from decision-makers and working to see a project through from start to finish.”

Additionally, Craig and Michelle Brown, Corey’s parents, discussed plans for the first Corey Brown Memorial 5K run and walk at 6 p.m. Aug. 17. The inaugural event starts at the Marshalltown High School track with walk up registration opening at 5 p.m.

Race proceeds will go to purchase new uniforms for MHS track and cross country teams in memory of Corey, who loved running.

“We appreciate the support we’ve received,” Michelle Brown said. “We want to be able to give back. Corey loved to run and this too is a great way to honor him.”

The race will start and finish at the MHS track and the route will include neighborhoods surrounding the high school.

Cost is $20 per adult and $15 for youth under 18. For questions or early registration information contact Maggie Stalzer at 641-475-3370.