Emma Willard in the News

Racing for a Cure

October 2, 2006

group of more than 40 Emma Willard School students, alumnae, faculty, administrators, and parents will gather at the Empire State Plaza on Saturday, October 7, for the 12th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The race has raised more than $1 million to fund local screening, education, and treatment programs for breast cancer. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the 5K (3.1-mile) race will help fund national breast cancer research.

The Albany Race for the Cure will not only give the school community an opportunity to help fight a devastating disease, it will also help the school fulfill a new curricular initiative. This year, Emma Willard instituted the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Service Program into its curriculum, creating more than 40 faculty/student groups designed to provide aid to charitable organizations in the local community—such as elementary schools, elder-care facilities, animal shelters, food pantries, and literacy programs—as well as to various intramural service efforts. One of these service groups, “Race for the Cause,” was formed specifically to coordinate school teams to participate in various fund-raising races throughout the year.

“The Albany Race for the Cure is an excellent example of how students in the Stanton program can work toward the solution of a community problem, not from the distance of the classroom, but through first-hand experience,” said Head of School Trudy Hall, who will be running in Saturday’s race. “The program allows them to participate in efforts in which they can take risks and learn from their mistakes, work as members of a team toward a common goal, and hone their leadership skills.”

“As a women’s institution, it’s important for us to look beyond educating girls in the classroom,” said Linda Passaretti, a 1984 graduate and the director of annual giving and alumnae relations, who also will run in the race. “We must educate ourselves about the special challenges women face in today’s world and do what we can to lend a hand in overcoming them.”

Team Emma will gather at the Empire State Plaza in advance of the 9:30 a.m. race start on Saturday, and will be wearing distinctive pink T-shirts. Many of the students on the team are members of the school’s cross country and field hockey teams.

For more information about Emma Willard School’s Elizabeth Cady Stanton Program, or our participation in the Albany Race for the Cure, contact Steve Ricci at sricci@emmawillard.org, (518) 833-1785.