Katie O’Reilly ’14: Episcopal recently suffered tragedy and great loss. However, we must use all the power possible to remember and promote events that honor the lives of members of this community who we have lost. Events such as Michelle’s Miles undoubtedly keep these beloved students’ memories alive and support the community as we grieve together alongside their individual families.
This October will mark the sixth annual Michelle’s Miles event. The race commemorates the life of Michelle Bradley Deasey, a member of the Class of 2017 who sadly died in December 2007 at the age of eight.
Runners, walkers, and spectators will gather at the Greenwood Track on the morning of October 6th to participate and watch a 5k race, 1 mile walk, a kids run, and games to memorialize their love for Michelle. The contributions of the event remain in her memory through the Michelle Deasey Memorial Scholarship Fund., c/o Episcopal Academy.
The race has continued to grow after its inception in 2008. This year, Michelle would have entered her freshman year of high school at EA. It is essential that the members of the 9th grade contribute to the event to show their love as a class bounded around their memory for Michelle. This class in particular is strongly encouraged to join in for this wonderful young girl. A classmate of Michelle’s, Nina Stavropulous ’17 stated, “She was a great friend, athlete, and student. Michelle clearly had an impact on our class. So by running this race we are honoring her and being thankful for everything that we have.”
Michelle’s Miles focuses on an important part of the Episcopal lifestyle, sports. Mr. William Deasey, father of Michelle noted, “Athletics were a big part of Michelle’s spirit and this event celebrates that part of her. She loved to play soccer and swim. But she always loved to run. She could run for days.”
Hundreds of people participate in the annual race and it clearly means a lot to Michelle’s family. As Deasey mentioned, “Every year the event shows me and my family that a lot of people understand the message, that this honors a little girl who loved sports and was full of life.”
The Episcopal community continues to hold this event because it has such a positive experience on all who are involved, Episcopal Academy Parent’s Association 2013- 2014 President Susan King stated, “There is so much meaning behind Michelle’s Miles. Every year there is so much love and everyone is so upbeat making it such a memorable and important event for this community.”
This year specifically, the group organizing the event is hoping for record participation. On top of that all friends and family sponsors will receive a Vineyard Vines tote bag with the Michelle’s Miles logo.
The success of the Michelle’s Miles annual race has inspired the Class of 2014 to organize a biking race to celebrate the life of Paul Pratt after his tragic death in May of 2013 at the age of 18. The senior class hopes to create a biking race called “Pedal for Paul.”
Esse Quam Videri student leaders in conjunction with the Class of 2014 form dean Sarah Baker ’01 thought it appropriate to start such an event because of Paul’s avid love for recreational biking. EQV member Silicia Lomax ‘14 mentioned that “The race would support the community by raising money for the crew scholarship that is already in his name. EQV thought that this would be a great way to bring the community together again.”
The senior student leaders on EQV are clearly moving in the right direction in the early development of the race
as King mentioned, “I have been really impressed with EQV and I think it would be a great way to haven the seniors unite in celebration of Paul.”
As “Pedal for Paul” is still in the early stages, the logistics of the event are still to be determined, but King noted, “The EAPA will support it 100% and would love to help. I am also especially love that the students came to us with the idea to remember their friend.”
The Deasey family has clearly found great success in the Michelle’s Miles event and would love Paul to be remembered in a similar way. As Deasey mentioned, “I think it would be great to rally around Paul in this way because he was such a gifted athlete. Even after this accident when he lost a couple of his fingers, he never stopped competing. He just always went after it. My family has found Michelle’s Miles so valuable and I am sure that this could also help the Pratt family.”