This educator is running Boston to make a difference for the next generation

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Stephanie Loneck-Kerpka
City/State: Somerville, Massachusetts

Now entering my 10th year as an educator in the Boston area, this year seems fitting to make an impact beyond my classroom walls and instead make an impact on the streets of Boston. Join me in representing arts education and Boston youth while I run the Boston Marathon 2025 for my school, the Boston Arts Academy. Your support and generosity can make a difference in Boston Public Schools, and the Boston Arts Academy community.

A little bit about me: Originally raised in Upstate New York, I hopped over to Boston to attend Northeastern University, where I knew I wanted to make a difference in math education.

Today, I work with so many inspirational, talented, and motivated high schoolers at Boston Arts Academy that have big dreams and even bigger hearts. Every day is a wonderful adventure (and sometimes a comedy show), and they give me a million reasons to smile and laugh. Being a math teacher here is more rewarding and joyful than I could have ever imagined.

They need your help to have access to quality educators, specialized training, materials for their arts, and opportunities to further their craft. By contributing to this cause, you are feeding their motivation and making a difference in the next generation. Thank you for making a contribution to this great cause, and for supporting me during my Boston Marathon 2025 journey!

This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

Jessika Landon

Audience Engagement Co-op

Jessika Landon is the audience engagement co-op at Boston.com and a senior at Emerson College. She is a native of Bangor, Maine.