🏅 26.2 MILES. TWO INCREDIBLE EMPLOYEES. ONE AMAZING COINCIDENCE. 👏

What are the odds that two employees from the same school district would run the Chicago Marathon, push through all 26.2 miles, and cross the finish line with nearly IDENTICAL times? 

Well, it happened right here in Cicero District 99! 

Please join us in celebrating two extraordinary members of our D99 family who took on one of the world's most iconic races and proved that determination, perseverance, and a whole lot of heart can carry you all the way to the finish line! 

🏃‍♂️ Anthony Cotton, Technology Specialist —  4 hours, 12 minutes, 59 seconds
🏃‍♀️ Tamara Kunz, Physical Therapist — 4 hours, 13 minutes, 4 seconds

JUST 5 SECONDS APART! 🤯

Different journeys. Different reasons for running. Different challenges along the way. But one incredible accomplishment they now share!

And while those finishing times are impressive, the real story is everything it took to get there.

The early mornings when sleeping in would have been easier. The miles logged when nobody was watching. The sore muscles, the mental battles, the sacrifices, and the decision to keep going even when their bodies were telling them to stop.

Because a marathon isn't conquered in a single day. It's conquered through months of showing up, putting in the work, and refusing to give up.

And isn't that a beautiful reminder of what we're capable of when we believe in ourselves and keep moving forward?

There's something especially meaningful about celebrating Tamara's accomplishment during National Physical Therapy Month this October! As a physical therapist, Tamara dedicates her professional life to helping others improve their movement, overcome physical challenges, and reach their goals. This month, we're celebrating not only the difference she makes through her work, but also an incredible personal milestone of her own!

And Anthony reminds us that the people who keep our schools connected and our technology running have remarkable talents and passions beyond their everyday responsibilities, too!

At Cicero District 99, we often celebrate what happens inside our classrooms and schools. But behind every job title is a person with dreams, goals, and a story worth telling.

Our employees don't just inspire through the work they do. They inspire through the lives they lead.

Tamara and Anthony, your D99 family is incredibly proud of you! You've reminded us that big accomplishments begin with small steps, that hard work pays off, and that the finish line is worth every mile it takes to get there.

And to everyone in our community who has a goal that feels just a little to big, a dream that seems just out of reach, or a challenge they've been afraid to take on...

Maybe this is your sign to go for it.

You don't have to run 26.2 miles. You just have to be willing to take the first step.

Help us give Tamara and Anthony a HUGE round of applause to congratulate these two incredible marathon finishers!

Two D99 employees. 52.4 miles combined. Nearly identical finish times. One unforgettable achievement!