Mrs. Royal runs the Boston Marathon to support Girls on the Run

Excitement has been building throughout the school community as one of Gloucester High’s own counselors prepares to run in the iconic Boston Marathon this Monday. After months of training and fundraising, Mrs. Royal has earned a spot on a charity team for Girls on the Run and has already raised an impressive $15,000 to support the organization’s mission. 

“Running has always been a hobby and something I do to take care of myself.” Royal said. “I did the first two marathons thinking I would never have the opportunity to run Boston. It feels like a dream come true.” 

Girls on the Run is a nonprofit program that helps young girls build confidence and develop leadership skills all while staying physically active. By running the marathon as part of their charity team, the counselor is helping raise funds that allow more girls to participate in the program and gain these valuable life skills. 

“Being a school counselor and working in the school, raising money for mental health and social emotional skills within a school setting felt very true to me.” Royal said. 

The effort to raise money became a community-wide initiative. Earlier this year, Royal hosted a 5k fundraiser in Newburyport. Many teachers and staff member at GHS laced up their sneakers and joined the cause. The event brought together the community for a morning of running and cheering while supporting an amazing organization in the process. 

Administrators and teachers from several departments participated in the race, turning the event into both a fundraiser and a celebration of school spirit. Mr. Telles, head of the English Department, and Dr. Meier, Vice Principal for tenth through twelve grade, won the race for male and female respectively. Mr. P Cook, a history teacher, came home with second following Telles for male. 

 All the fundraising efforts will culminate on marathon day, where Royal will take to the course alongside thousands of runners from around the world. The school community will be cheering from home as she completes the historic race and represents the school while supporting Girls on the Run.

“I’m most excited to experience it all.” Royal said. “Running throughout the winter was really hard. It took a lot of mental resilience and grit to get out there in the snow, so the idea of celebrating all the hard work and early mornings feels really exciting.” 

With the support of GHS community and the success of the fundraiser, Royal’s marathon run represents the power of our school community, and we wish her the best of luck.