Hartford

West Hartford Principal Runs Marathon to Buy Students New Desks

The school principal at Saint Timothy Middle School in West Hartford is hoping to raise money to buy her students new desks – by completing the Hartford Half Marathon next month.

“I am going to run the half marathon to get off my seat and earn seats for my students,” said Principal Tara Bellefleur.

Bellefleur said some of the desks are more than 50 years old and need to be replaced. They’re scratched, scuffed and some students say they're too small.

“Our legs don’t even fit under them, so new desks would be very useful,” said eighth-grade student Sean Macary.

Bellefleur admitted running the race won’t be easy. She just turned 60 and started training last month, but said she wants to inspire her students.

“We just embrace the idea of always trying your best, so for me, running a half marathon will be a major effort and I will just try my best to earn them,” Bellefleur said.

Bellefleur hopes to find sponsors to help her raise $18,000 to cover costs. Students said they’ll be there cheering her on.

“You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it, and to doing something for a greater cause for other people – definitely to help,” Macary said.

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