17 Sep Conditioned to succeed

In the quiet stillness of dawn, when the mist clings to the fields and the world feels almost asleep, a group of students from Westview lace up their shoes and take to the trails of Hollis. With each stride, they chase more than just a finish line—they chase growth, strength, and the determination to become something greater than themselves. This year, eleven junior high and high school students have embraced the challenge of cross country, a sport that demands courage, endurance, and perseverance. The miles are long and the terrain is tough, but every run is a lesson: to push past discomfort, to rise after setbacks, and to discover the grit that lives inside them.

Yet what makes cross country powerful is not just the individual journey, but the bond it creates. These runners learn to lift each other up, to celebrate not only victories but the effort it takes to get there. On the sidelines, our caregivers cheer with pride, their voices carrying across the course—reminding each runner they are seen, valued, and never alone. At the finish line, smiles and encouragement await: “You did it. We are proud of you.”

At Westview, we believe athletics are more than games or competition—they are a training ground for life. We are deeply grateful to the Hollis School System and Athletic Program for opening these doors of opportunity, where every step, every breath, and every finish brings our young men closer to the strong, resilient, and hopeful future they deserve.