Two marathon teams. One simple goal: run for DPS students! The English Language Acquisition (ELA) Department has supported DPS via the Colfax Marathon for the past two years. It started as an easy and fun way to give back to DPS students. The group admits, however, not all of them are runners.
ELA teammates share their excitement about the upcoming race.
“We’re all at very different levels of running, which makes it even more fun! One of our teammates is running the half-marathon—she’s going to be my trainer!” Christine Muldoon, an ELA Department team member, said.
This year, they’ve pushed to get additional ELA teammates involved and have two relay teams running in the race. They have started a friendly competition between the two relay teams, which they say has brought the ELA team as a whole even closer. They joked that they’re constantly texting and emailing each other to hold their relay partners accountable while reminding themselves that it’s all in good fun for a great cause.
“Personally, I feel that this cause is incredibly important. I donate to the DPS Foundation every month,” said ELA team member Sara Hamilton, who is running for the second year in a row. “For me, growing up with programs and school foundations like the DPS Foundation helped me so much as a child. Due to financial reasons, I would not have gone to college without having the opportunities I was offered at a young age throughout my school years. It was through access to these types of crucial programs that made it possible for me to continue my education.”
The team was quite passionate when discussing what DPS means to them.
“I value the partnership with DPS and the DPS Foundation as well as the transparency in how the money is used for students and schools. This is my second year running for DPS at the Colfax Marathon and I feel that running creates a sense of community amongst Team DPS runners, which makes it fun!” Brenda Lucero said.
ELA team shows how they collaborate to put Students First.
“I grew up in Denver. I’m a DPS grad myself, and my team and I share a strong passion for the many English language learners in DPS. For us, fundraising for DPS is so important, and there really is no other option,” Brenda added.
Those who have run the race in the past expressed their excitement to run in the race again. “It is the most fun race that I have ever run,” Christine said.
ELA relay runners shared their excitement as well and said that the anticipation of waiting for the baton handoff is a whole new level of excitement. A couple of the team members who haven’t run the race before said they are looking forward to the accomplishment of finishing the race and knowing that they’re running for DPS students makes finishing that much easier.
“I wouldn’t want to work for any other district than DPS. Everyone really cares about the agenda and truly supporting the second language learners kids specifically. It makes you feel good to have the district support. Being able to give back by running and challenging ourselves for students, is truly rewarding,” Christine concluded.
Run with us. Register here. Not interested in running? Support the team.