While many were enjoying a relaxing fall break, Lawler Elementary School Principal Alicia White was taking on an incredible challenge by running 26.2 miles in the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon!
At the beginning of this school year, White visited every classroom at Lawler Elementary to share an important message with students about the power of grit, determination, and perseverance. She encouraged students to embrace challenges, work hard, and never give up when things become difficult. Her message emphasized that some of life's greatest joys and most rewarding accomplishments come from taking on something challenging, persevering through obstacles, and experiencing the satisfaction of achieving a goal through hard work. This fall break, she had the opportunity to put those very lessons into action!
For White, this marathon was about much more than crossing the finish line. She proudly ran on behalf of marathon partner By The Hand Club For Kids, raising over $2,500 to support the Chicago-based organization's mission of helping children in under-resourced communities. Through after-school programs, By The Hand provides academic tutoring, mentoring, meals, and enrichment opportunities while nurturing children's social, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
As an elementary school principal, White has dedicated her career to helping children learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential. Supporting an organization that shares those same values made her marathon experience especially meaningful. Running through the streets of Chicago alongside thousands of runners was a dream come true, but knowing that her efforts would help make a difference in the lives of children made every mile even more rewarding.
White's marathon journey serves as a reminder to her students that grit and determination aren't just lessons learned in the classroom. They are qualities that carry through life. Whether tackling a difficult assignment, learning a new skill or running 26.2 miles, the greatest rewards often come from taking on challenges, persevering and discovering just how much they're capable of achieving