Lakota Elementary staff runs relay

KANSAS — Staff members at Lakota Elementary School took their commitment to teamwork beyond the classroom this spring by lacing up their sneakers and competing in the 2025 Glass City Marathon Relay Race. This is the group's second year participating in the event, which serves as a team-building challenge. Among the participants were Principal Dana Ward and teachers Katie Speer, Nate Cline, Julie Cline and first-year teacher Morgan Leja. For Leja, the experience was especially meaningful. "As a first-year teacher, it was an amazing opportunity to get together outside of school and build those relationships," said Leja. The team's participation was organized last year by teacher Nate Cline as a way for staff to bond outside of the school setting. "After watching my wife, Julie, complete a half marathon a few years ago, I wanted to get involved– and the relay was the perfect way to do so," said Cline. Shortly afterwards, he discovered the Glass City Marathon Relay- a race in which five runners split the 26.2-mile course through the streets of Toledo. "It was interesting as a principal because I got to see some of my staff open up a little— and they probably saw the same with me," said Ward. The team hopes to continue the tradition in future years, emphasizing camaraderie, wellness and connection both on and off the school grounds.