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By Rama K. Ramaswamy
When asked why Hardy parents Anna Garcia-Miller and Jennifer O’Neil-Sebaratnam and fourth grade teacher Felicia Moran decided to run the Boston Marathon, they all rallied around supporting METCO, which provides the opportunity for an integrated public school education for children of color from racially imbalanced schools in Boston by placing them in suburban schools.
“I decided to share out loud with my daughter Maya that one year I would run the Boston Marathon,” said Garcia-Miller. “And I knew that once I told her I had to do it. This year I also turn 40 and I thought pushing myself physically and mentally would be a good way to say goodbye to my 30s and hello to my 40s. Running for METCO is an honor.
“Last month, the friends of Wellesley METCO running team had the opportunity to meet all the METCO seniors. It was a very rewarding experience to connect with some of the students and hear about their plans for the future. Jania, a senior at Wellesley High and a Hardy alum, chatted with me and she said one thing that really hit home- she takes the experiences and learning she's gotten through Wellesley’s public schools and brings it back to share with people in her community.”
“I've always wanted to run the Boston Marathon so when we moved from London this past August, I thought this would be a good time to do it,” O’Neil-Sebaratnam said. “I wanted to run for a local charity which would give me an opportunity to get involved in the community and support a very worthy cause.”
“Wellesley METCO is very important to me,” Moran said. “We have many students in our district that benefit, 158 in various schools. At Hardy, I am a mentor to a student and work with other teachers to provide extended learning and community building opportunities through Late Tuesdays for METCO students- such as art projects, literacy activities and even mindfulness through Yoga and other means.
“By running for METCO, I can do my small part to raise money for scholarships, tutoring, late Tuesday's, and the breakfast program. Thinking of the students and this program on my long runs motivates me to finish. It's an amazing community.”
Their training routine, though different, was consistent and steady. Each has been preparing for the big day. Juggling work and family with training has been a challenge for these three women, but they are determined to run this year’s Boston Marathon.
“I think the most exciting thing for me is running through Wellesley Square on race day and seeing all my students, families and supporters and others there to cheer the runners on,” said Moran. “Being a teacher in Wellesley, this stretch of the course is particularly special to me. Wellesley students and families are welcoming and caring, hardworking and thoughtful of both METCO students and teachers- making for a community like no other. It's the heart of what makes this such a great place, and why I run for such an amazing cause.
For more information or to support these committed runners, please visit their fundraising pages:
Felicia Moran: www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/felicia-moran/Friends-of-Wellesley-METCO-2016
Anna Garcia-Miller: www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/anna-garcia-miller/Friends-of-Wellesley-METCO-2016
Jennifer O'Neil Sebaratnam: www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jennifer-oneilsebaratnam/Friends-of-Wellesley-METCO-2016
Rama K. Ramaswamy writes for Hometown Weekly. She can be reached at [email protected].
