When Last Is First

The photo of Christa Talbot Syfu and Greg Tuleja captures two coaches with reputations for producing winning teams.  Not shown on the score card is the attention they pay to the character development of their runners.

Last week, one of Williston Northampton School’s junior varsity cross country members, competing in his final race as a Wildcat with schools from around New England in attendance, made a statement.

When JJ Celentano ’16 stopped in the middle of the course to escort an injured runner from a visiting team, he gave up his attempt for a personal record or “PR,” and showed that character counts, and that “doing good well” is more than just a slogan at Williston.

Photo of JJ Celentano at Shaler Invitational by Ben Chmielewski '16
Photo of JJ Celentano at Shaler Invitational by Ben Chmielewski ’16

Not many people know of this selfless act—JJ is not the type to promote a story about himself—but he was the last to cross the finish line with an injured competitor at his side. His actions make us all proud of him and our school.

 

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