Ethos of sacrifice bodes well for Attleboro

The Attleboro High School banner hanging above the tread mill said: `` Together we learn, grow, and succeed.''

Martin Tighe, an adjustment counselor at the Network program and track coach at Attleboro High School, was about to begin his quest of conquering the Guiness Book of World Records for miles run over a 24-hour period. It was 12 noon. Little did he know that the eventual out come would result in something far more inspiring and far more memorable!

It was last Friday night, the eve before the Attleboro boys' and girls' track teams' appearance in the annual state relay competition. Martin had completed some six hours and 40.55 miles of his goal of 160 miles. Dizziness set in and he was unable to continue. While resting and being evaluated at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, students and community members continued to run on adjacent treadmills as planned. Scheduled events went on until midnight.

Then it happened. Stephanie Burt, a Network student, called Director Dr. Kathy Vespia and said: `` We need to finish the run for Mar tin.'' With that impetus, the members of the track teams and the Net work students came together on Saturday morning to complete their teacher and coach's dream. The track teams forfeited their chance to place in the state relays -- a once in-a-lifetime chance for the team's seniors.

The students converged in large numbers in the principal's lobby, unlikely partners in an endeavor of love. The students' faces told the story of their emotions, respect, and dedication to Coach Tighe and their school. They encouraged each other as they took two-mile turns on the treadmills.

At 10 a.m. Martin arrived at the high school to a scene which made the school and community proud. Martin had inspired a shared success, a spirit of community cooperation far beyond that which the organizers had envisioned. The students had demonstrated what all educators and parents have worked so hard to impart: the values of respect, caring, and hard work.

For those of the opinion that public education is failing in Attleboro and elsewhere, think again! Every citizen of the city can be heartened by these events and the legacy that these students have passed on to their peers. This ethos of sacrifice bodes well for the leadership of future generations. Could we ask for more?

Thank you, Martin Tighe and students of Attleboro High School. Together we learned, grew, and succeeded.

Ron Struminski, Attleboro