Miller Middle School cross country runners Ellie Draisey, left, and Diana Castro exemplified character and compassion as they helped a runner from an opposing team at a meet on September 22 in Indianola. They will be honored by the school board during the October 3 board meeting.
Two Miller Middle School cross country runners who exemplified unselfishness and compassion to a runner on an opposing team will be recognized by the Marshalltown School Board during the October 3 board meeting.
Seventh grader Ellie Draisey and eighth grader Diana Castro saw a runner from Dowling Catholic struggling during a race at Indianola on September 22. The two slowed down, offered encouragement to the Dowling runner, and then asked her to finish the race with them. It turns out the runner was running in her first meet since suffering a stress fracture injury.
The act of kindness struck the Dowling runner’s dad so much that he sent a note to Miller Principal Pat Rial that night indicating the Miller girls displayed “good character.”
“It gave me goose bumps,” Rial said of his reaction when he read the email from the parent. “We have good kids at Miller and we have good things going on. I was proud of them.”
Draisey said encouragement helps when running cross country races.
“If you are struggling, it helps to have encouragement,” Draisey said.
Castro said her family is proud of her, especially since she’s an older sister and is setting a good example for her younger brother and sister.
“They feel happy for me because I’m like a role model for them,” Castro said.
The two will be honored at the school board meeting at 5 p.m. on October 3 in school district offices at 1002 S. 3rd. Ave.
