Héroes que corren: Vanessa DiServio

For every virtual race in 2020, NYRR is highlighting frontline and essential workers in our Heroes on the Run series. Running is a source of strength, especially over these last several months, and we are grateful for the everyday heroes who keep our community safe and healthy. These are the people that keep us running—sometimes while running themselves. These runners inspire us with their courage, commitment, and selflessness and it is our privilege to recognize them.  

This week with the Virtual NYRR Run for Thanks 5K, we honor Vanessa DiServio, a physical education teacher at Hudson High School of Learning Technologies in New York City, as our Hero on the Run. 

Vanessa has been teaching for 17 years, and in 2017 she helped bring the Rising New York Road Runners youth fitness program to her students. This year Vanessa received a prestigious Big Apple Award, given by the NYC Department of Education to recognize and celebrate teachers who inspire students, model great teaching, and enrich their school communities.

As part of Vanessa’s application, her school principal wrote, “She is a leader in embedding social-emotional learning competencies and collaborates with colleagues and administrators to create a culturally responsive and inclusive school environment.”

“I have poured my heart and soul into teaching NYC students for 17 years and it’s humbling to be recognized in such a fashion,” Vanessa said. “I do this for the students because they deserve the best from me.”

An avid runner, Vanessa has completed 27 NYRR races in the past four years, including the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon. She’s run at least four virtual NYRR races in 2020 and will do the NYRR Run for Thanks this week. Before the pandemic, many of her students participated in Rising New York Road Runners youth races; she's pictured below with some of them at a 2019 event. She helped one of her students, Adama Samake, train for the 2019 United Airlines NYC Half. Adama and Vanessa started the race together and ran side by side until Adama pulled away to finish in 1:52, with Vanessa following in 2:03.

During the pandemic, Vanessa has adapted her in-person lessons to ensure her kids are staying active while following health, safety, and social distancing guidelines. She created an educational Instagram and YouTube account for her lessons and activities, as well as a virtual “fitness locker” so students can stay active at home. She teamed up with the special education and English language learners departments at her school to learn strategies to reach those students.

Vanessa encourages her students to consider a career in physical education themselves. Some of them have received certifications through her classes and gone to college to pursue PE-related degrees. They carry the lessons they learned from her into their lives, staying healthy with their families and engaging in activity for physical and mental health benefits.

Follow #HeroesOnTheRun to join us in celebrating Vanessa and all of our everyday heroes.

Are you a parent or other caregiver looking for ways to keep your kids active during the COVID-19 crisis? Our Rising New York Road Runners Active at Home program offers fun activities and videos for children that keep space and social distancing in mind, and can be used in home and school settings. Check out these awesome resources today!