Hi! My name is Rita Sweeney. I am a 5th Grade Math Teacher at Excel Academy Charter School at the Greenway Campus. I’m running the Boston Marathon to raise support for Excel Academy Charter Schools, a place that has profoundly shaped my life. As someone who both works at Excel and attended the school, I have a deep connection to its mission and values. My love for running has been a constant in my life, and as a coach of track and field and cross country, I’ve seen firsthand how sports can transform students, build resilience, and create a sense of belonging. This marathon is more than just a race for me—it’s an opportunity to give back to a community that has provided me with so much. I hope to inspire my students and athletes by showing them that through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to push through challenges, anything is possible. Running for Excel is a way for me to express my gratitude and contribute to the continued success and growth of a school that means so much to me.