The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

Neshaminy teachers participate in Love Run

By Tim Cho and Rebecca Scheinert
Student Life Editor and Staff Writer

Neshaminy’s Dance Team and 43 Neshaminy teachers, led by World Language teacher, Cara DeLorenzo-Palka, and Maple Point English teacher, Stacy Flaville-Boop-partook in the Philly Love Run on March 30. They were among nearly 10,000 participants that ran from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and made their way through Center City to a loop along the Schuylkill River on Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. and back to the finish at the Art Museum.

Despite the relentless rain, the runners braved the weather and completed the 13.1 miles through the streets of Philadelphia.

Training after school every week, while taking personal time to prepare themselves, the Neshaminy teachers worked together to get ready for the big day.

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“To prepare for the half-marathon, several English teachers (Abbee Thomas, Tara Huber, Jessica Cohen, Jenn Mann, Kim Aubrey, Kim Kelley, Kristen McCreary, and Suzi Drake) and I would work out twice a week after school together,” English teacher Kate Livingstone said.

The Dance Team, with Melissa Bauerle as its adviser, accompanied the teachers. While the teachers ran, the students gave moral support and cheered on the runners as they trekked through the miserable weather.

Bauerle was, “…proud of the Dance Team because even through the awful weather, they were smiling and encouraging everyone that passed them.”

English teacher and Interact adviser, Suzi Drake was among those who did not run but still did her part in lending a hand.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to participate in the Love Run because of a broken ankle, but I did take on the challenge as a motivational tool to try and be healthier. I [went to the marathon] to cheer our team on and I was so inspired by their determination despite less than ideal weather.”

For Livingstone, the Love Run runs with a deep meaning– “My best friend passed away four years ago. She would always run marathons because she believed in challenging herself to be her best. I wanted to run this in her honor.” Honor in the highest form: carrying on for those who cannot anymore.

Running to support the Philadelphia school districts, and to demonstrate how people almost twice the age of students were and still are able to complete an achievement that few are able to accomplish.

“We all have a role to play in helping the next generation of Philadelphians succeed,” Philadelphia Mayor, Michael Nutter, told cgiracing.com.

The 43 teachers and Dance Team demonstrated selfless work: running 13.1 miles through a downpour to show their support for the Philadelphia education system.
The event raised $20,000 for the Philadelphia Education Supplies Fund.

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Neshaminy teachers participate in Love Run