With the help of her kids, a Rochester teacher runs the Boston Marathon

Rochester, New York – Education is all about setting and attaining goals with help and encouragement.

When her pupils supported her during the 128th Boston Marathon earlier this week, Mary Mon, a teacher at Rochester’s School Without Walls, set an example for them to follow.

“I was just telling my student I thought about them along the 26 miles,” Mary explained. “I had a hard day on the course, and I remember thinking to myself on mile six ‘This is gonna be a long day. I got 20 more miles and they’re full of hills.’ And I just thought about them and all of the support they had been giving me throughout my training, and the signs they made and the excitement.”

When Mary was a college student, she began running.

She decided to collect money for the American Stroke Association after her grandfather suffered a stroke in 2005.

She is now motivating her students to follow in her footsteps and achieve their objectives as well as other passions.

“It just motivates us that we can do anything that we want if we really do put our minds to it,” said Honesty Martinez, a senior at School Without Walls.

“She’s always there for us,” added fellow classmate Kaysali Morales. “She’s a great teacher. (We) know how much work she put in there, and her reaction made it worth it. Seeing her when she noticed us was just amazing.”

A school without walls, an unrestricted racing track through life, and a teacher who is constantly strengthened by her students.

“I was floored that they got themselves all the way there,” Mary said. “They were cheering me on. It meant the world to me. Just seeing them come out and support me really showed what a tight bond we have and the impact I’m making.”