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Principal runs 26.22 miles to inspire students!

This past March, right before the start of spring break, Keswick Christian School held its annual “Race for Education” fundraiser. However this year there was an excitement on the track that “has never been there before!” This year to help raise funds for Keswick’s scholarship program and to help inspire the student body, Superintendent David Holtzhouse made a commitment to run. And run not just a couple of laps, but a full marathon - 26.22 miles! – over 105 laps.

It has been said that the difference between the mile and the marathon is the difference between burning your fingers with a match and being slowly roasted over hot coals. “Running was not part of my daily routine just a couple of years ago,” Holtzhouse told us. “In fact, I couldn’t even run an 1/8th of a mile at the time. But with the encouragement of my family and the help of my doctor, I made a decision to start running and to get in shape.”

On the day of the race as the sun began to rise, Mr. Holtzhouse started running around the Lipham Memorial Track with just a handful of parents, staff and some members of the media present. A few hours later, with the sun bright overhead, Mr. Holtzhouse was surrounded by students running along side him and lining the track encouraging him to keep on running.

As Mr. Holtzhouse began his 105th and final lap, the track erupted into cheering. The students that lined the track shouted as if they were at a state championship football game. “Whose House? Holtzhouse! Whose House? Holtzhouse,” they chanted repeatedly.

When he finally crossed the finish line, the students surrounded Mr. Holtzhouse in a big circle. It truly was an inspiring moment. As one of the elementary teachers, Ms. Katie Kincaid, told us, “I’ve been teaching in Christian schools for over 10 years now and I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed something like I did today. I was touched beyond words to see the head of this school running his 26th mile, surrounded by students, staff, and parents. The word that came to my mind as I watched him complete this amazing feat was - dedication. Dedication to the school, staff, students, parents, and most importantly, his ministry." - Ms. Katie Kincaid

Congratulations Mr. Holtzhouse on not only completing the marathon run and earning funds for your school, but also for the impact you are having on those around you.

“My daughter and I ran with Mr. Holtzhouse on his final lap (along with many others) and it was truly exciting to be a part of something so phenomenal.”
- Heather Barlow (parent)

“Mr. Holtzhouse, that was so cool how you ran those laps. To me it looked like you were a rocket. You are a hero to the school.”
- Zach Dinan (5th grade)

“He poured his heart and soul out on that track. We are all really so proud of him.”
- Tami Bowman (parent)

"Mr. H. has a sincerity about him that communicates to everyone his genuine love for God and concern for each individual's well being."
- Joyce Kistemaker (parent)

"Mr. Holtzhouse’s last lap brought tears to my eyes. Great job Mr. H."
- Melodie Martell (teacher)

"It was so awesome to see all the students finishing the race with Mr. Holtzhouse. What a great picture of the school family striving together and holding each other up as we go through our journey!”
- Amy Bouvier (parent & teacher)

David Holtzhouse and Elementary Principal Mrs. Dumais

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