Where Will These Shoes Take You?
Students from Carson High School show off their new shoes from Nike.
This past Saturday, SRLA handed out over 3,500 pairs of running shoes to our students and leaders. These shoes, generously donated by Nike, mark an important milestone for SRLA students - the halfway point in their training for the Los Angeles Marathon.
These shoes are earned through months of hard work, dedication, and consistency. They will carry SRLA students to the finish line of the LA Marathon, and far beyond.
We asked SRLA students to reflect on the gift of shoes and share their thoughts…
What does receiving shoes mean to SRLA students?
“Receiving these shoes represents hard work and determination. It shows me that I haven’t given up towards my goal. That I have mentally and psychically mastered doing something I never thought I was going to be good at which is running. These shoes represent my passion for the sport that makes me feel alive.” - Danyella, Grade 12, King Drew Magnet
“Receiving these shoes aren't just for running the marathon but it's an award for staying so long with SRLA.” - Gregory, Grade 12, Foshay Learning Center
“These shoes represent how hard I’ve worked and how far I’ve come since September. They represent a chance to go even farther than I am already.” - Joaquin, Grade 10, Alliance Stern MASS
“My Determination to beat all of my challenges .” - Noah, Grade 12, Animo South LA
“Receiving the shoes represents support for me. Not only do I have support from my team, I also have the opportunity to receive support for my feet.” - Paola, Grade 12, Port of Los Angeles High School
“These shoes will represent how when you reach a goal you can get something out of it.” - Miguel, Grade 8, Animo Ellen Ochoa
“Receiving these shoes means that I am officially in it for the Marathon, no backing out now.” - Daniel, Grade 11, PUC Community School
“Some one caring about what I’m trying to do.” - Luis, Grade 10, CNCA Dalzell Lance
“These shoes mean a fair opportunity in the world where I am able to compete to my fullest potential without any financial disadvantages. It’s also a gift to me which allows me and motivates me to continue doing what I love to do while looking fresh in some new clean shoes, because if you look good you play good.” - Jeremy, Grade 11, Dorsey High School
“That there’s someone who wants me to be successful and wants to see me push myself.” - Abel, Grade 9, Blair High School
“Honestly, receiving these shoes represent how far I’ve come. I used to be someone who’d struggle with a single mile, and now when I think of distance, I’m not intimidated. Because of SRLA, I’ve started walking around my community more, and I’m not afraid to go on a 3 mile walk for fun.” - Anthony, Grade 12, MSA-1 Reseda
“Receiving shoes represents an endorsement from our community that represents growth, care, and harmony, the shoes being given to us doesn't just only help low income families and kids like myself and my peers but also brings us together without anyone feeling left out. At the end of the day we need shoes to run and as I see my peers who don't have running shoes I feel happy knowing that they'll get some in the coming times.” - Saul, Grade 11, Animo South LA"
“To me they are more than a gift, they are a reward for putting in the effort to make it to where I am now.” - Antonio, Grade 12, Carson High School
Where will these shoes take SRLA Students?
“My shoes will take me on to a journey of self love, adventure and passion. Running has taught me many things and one of those things is passion and determination for something that makes you feel alive and adventurous. I hope these shoes take me on a path where in the long run my passion for running and my determination becomes something that I get to pass down or at least the lessons I learn from running get to be passed down.” - Danyella, Grade 12, King Drew Magnett
“They will take me as far as I need to complete that marathon. They will take me to every practice, every race, and every mile of that marathon.” - Fernando,Grade 12, Foshay Learning Center
“Every shoe I have owned is an experience. My new running shoes will go through concrete floors, dusty dirt trails, running throughout hills and pavements. Also they will take me to campus each morning to get me to the gym.” - Jessica, Grade 12, LAPD Wilshire CADETS
“They will take me to an even better mindset.” - Daniel, Grade 12, Leuzinger High School
“These shoes will take me all through LA, to the beach, to the city.” - Audiel, Grade 12, Animo Ralph Bunche
“These shoes will take me everywhere I want to go. With hard work and determination these shoes will hopefully accompany me into elevating myself physically and mentally.” - Jose, Grade 11, Foshay Learning Center
“They will take me to the finish line of the marathon.” - Juan, Grade 12, Panorama High School
“I am hoping to stay on the team, taking these shoes through practices, rain or shine. Through Saturday practices and Sunday Half Marathons. These shoes could take me far as a student and as a runner.” - Giovanny, Grade 8, Pio Pico Middle School
“To college and conquer the world. As well as running in new places and new tracks.” Jasmi, Grade 12, RFK at SVAH
"These shoes will help me train in my neighborhoods to reach the LA Marathon. In these shoes I'll get to learn more about my community and enjoy the outdoors." - Maryann, Grade 11, John F. Kennedy
How will these shoes help students this season?
“They help me because not everyone can afford new shoes every season.” - Arely, Grade 10, Orthopaedic Medical Magnet
“It will help me do my miles more better because having the right shoes is important.” - Isabel, Grade 12, Contreras High School
“I don't have running shoes, I wear tennis shoes that are already wearing out and are tight, new shoes would be a great help for my feet.” - Heber, Grade 11, Manual Arts High School
“It will help me finish this upcoming Half-Marathon.” - Bernardo, Grade 9, Fremont High School
“Receiving new shoes would help me out this season by providing a financial-friendly way of running so I don’t have to worry about doing what I love.” - Allison, Grade 11, Hawkins High School
“It will be my first official running shoes I will own.” - Luis, Grade 12, Bright Star Valor Academy
“They help by being an extra pair of running shoes to have, but they also serve as a reminder that I’ve made it this far, so why stop now?” - Antonio, Grade 12, Carson High School
“Receiving shoes this season will help me by not struggling or stressing by not being able to afford or get new shoes. But with SRLA I can be able to get gifted by them.” - Jonathan, Grade 12, Roosevelt High School
“They will encourage me to keep going because someone went out of their way to help me run.” - Isaias, Grade 11, Animo Pat Brown
“This season I have had a little more pain on my legs and I need new shoes however, with my family’s financial problems I really can’t just go and get new shoes that are good for running. With these shoes, it can really change everything because maybe now the knee pains will go away.” - Daniela, Grade 12, Fulton College Prep
“They are a reminder that I’ve come halfway and that there’s much support to finish the other half.” - Geidy, Grade 12, Bernstein complex
YOU ENSURE THAT STUDENTS HAVE THE TRAINING MATERIALS AND RESOURCES THAT THEY NEED TO SUCCEED ON THE MARATHON COURSE AND IN LIFE
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