Cardinal Spellman High School's president finishes 101 miles to raise funds

Dan O’Keefe, Cardinal Spellman High School's president, was jogging around the field at Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx to raise funds for the school’s athletics and activities program.

According to the article from Catholic New York, O'Keefe finished 101 miles jogging around the track in the school and was able to raise $55,000 for the school after spending over a hundred miles in 27 hours and 56 minutes on Sept. 23 and 24.

O'Keefe reportedly said that the last 10 miles were tough and made him weary.

The principal said that he feels good about the experience knowing that it benefits the students and serves as an example of never letting anyone underestimate them.

As reported, he reminded the students that nothing is impossible; just get out, do their best, and try hard.

Aside from raising funds, the school principal also wanted to get the students' attention and be involved in building up the school's spirit.

This year, 2022, was reportedly the third ultramarathon of the president to raise funds for the school.

The first ultramarathon was held in 2014; O'Keefe ran a hundred miles supporting the school's athletics and activities program. In 2017, he ran 103.3 miles in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx to raise funds for the school's financial aid program.

Run to Inspire

According to the same source, students and staff of the school got inspired by the effort of O'keefe for the school.

Richard Salonia, senior captain of the school's football team, said during his interview with the CNY that he was inspired by the mental toughness of the principal after finishing a hundred-mile run on the school's track.

He said that O'Keefe would do everything for the school, and they could attest to it.

The students and the staff of the school saw the determination and dedication of the school's president.

He ran a two-mile run with the president.

Moreover, Lauren Espinal, the senior captain of the school's volleyball team, was reportedly grateful as well as inspired by the effort of the president to raise funds for the athletics programs.

Espinal also joined the president with two lapses.

About the Cardinal Spellman High School

The Cardinal Spellman High School established its temporary quarters in Sept. 1959 at Marmion Ave. in the Bronx with the Rev. Msgr. John Breheny, EdD, founding principal.

According to its website, the high school was admitted to the University of the State of New York in May 1963 and was accredited by the Board of Regents of the State.

Moreover, they publicly announced that it was also accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools on Dec. 2, 1965.

The accreditation of the school has been regularly renewed from 1977 to 2017, as reported.

Accordingly, it aims to promote the value that will encourage the learners to thrive in leadership, academic performance, and service as they do their best in making their education available to all qualified students.