For over four decades, Run Seal Beach has organized an amazing community event with its annual 5k/10k.
One running team has consistently been committed to the local spirit and camaraderie that such an event inspires, and that team is the McAuliffe Eagles, from McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos.
As part of the Los Alamitos Unified School District, McAuliffe Middle School plays an important role in the local community, and this is reflected in the campus culture.
For over four decades, Run Seal Beach has organized an amazing community event with its annual 5k/10k.
One running team has consistently been committed to the local spirit and camaraderie that such an event inspires, and that team is the McAuliffe Eagles, from McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos.
As part of the Los Alamitos Unified School District, McAuliffe Middle School plays an important role in the local community, and this is reflected in the campus culture.
For the last 15 years, the McAuliffe Eagles have had one of the largest teams to participate in the Seal Beach 5k/10k, and the tradition continues.
Originally organized and captained by McAuliffe history teacher Valerie Miller, the team has recently been handed over to fellow history teacher (and McAuliffe alumni) Jon Grillo.
The team captain is responsible for getting the word out and getting as many young, eager runners as possible to join the McAuliffe team.
This year is no exception; the McAuliffe Eagles team is over 100 strong and includes current and former McAuliffe students, parents, siblings, and friends from all walks of life. Race day is always special for McAuliffe families, as it allows them to be part of one of the best local events the community has to offer. Even after the race has concluded, McAuliffe Middle School continues to benefit from the Run Seal Beach organization, as grant money is awarded to the Physical Education Department for equipment upgrades. Since the team’s inception, McAuliffe Middle School has received over $20,000 in grants, much to the delight of their budding young athletes!
Come April 8, the McAuliffe Eagles will be ready to attack the streets of Seal Beach with energy and excitement, knowing that they are part of something special; something bigger than each individual team member. And that is what really matters. Look for them on race day in their awesome, neon-orange shirts and give them a well-deserved thumbs up.
This article appeared in the March 22, 2017 print edition of the News Enterprise.