ORTEGA MIDDLE SCHOOL, ALAMOSA

After a few speaking engagements to 8th graders from Ortega Middle School at Adams State College. Ortega's Middle School counselor, Luis Murillo, contacted me to invite me speak with the rest of the students. Luis was able to set up a couple of presentations a day for a whole week.

Many time people ask me "Why do you run?" Motivating and being able to share my experiences with our youth is one big reason why I run. Running has taken me to places once I dreamed of visiting. Running has allowed me to stand in front of audiences and speak from my heart. Speaking in front of audiences was once a dream, being a reality is a true gift.

Thank you so much to Ortega Middle School students, faculty and staff for welcoming me and ITA. Many thanks to School Counselor Luis Murillo for such wonderful invitation. Congrats to all 2010 Ortega Middle School graduates. Don't ever forget that "DREAMS do come TRUE!"

Dual Immersion Academy (DIA) Grand Junction, CO

My visit with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at the only and first bilingual school in Grand Junction, Colorado. Dual Immersion Academy (DIA)

My vista con los alumnos de 3er, 4to y 5to grado de la unica y primera escuela bilingue en Grand Junction, Colorado. Dual Immersion Academy (DIA)

"Dear Zoila: Gracias por venir a DIA (Dual Immersion Academy)- Bienvenida a nuestra escuela para siempre. Seras muy especial para DIA. Gracias por todo el animo con el que iniciaste cada presentacion.Te deceamos lo mejor. Felicidades. Un abrazo muy fuerte de parte de todos en DIA. You are awesome Keep up the GREAT work! Train hard! You WILL make IT to the OLYMPICS this TIME!" Bernadette Yanez

" Hi Zoila, Thank you for coming to our school and sharing your stories. They were great. Thank you for sharing the magazine with us. Thank you for inspiring us to reach our goals and dreams. Thank you for taking a picture with us in front of the banner. Would you please come back to our school again? Thank You! Mr. Hass and the DIA Third Grade Class.

"Hi Zoila, Thank you for coming to our school.You are awesome. Your stories motivated us to dream BIG. You are the first person that comes to ou school that was in the cover of a magazine. Would you please come back to run the mie fun run with us? We love you and you are the best visitor we have had" Mr. Hass and the DIA Fourth Grade Class.

" Dear Zoila, Thank you for visiting our school. It was an onor to meet you. Thank you for saring your wonderful stories with us. Thank you for inspiring us to follow our dreams. We hope you make the USA Olympic Team for the marathon in 2012. We hope to see you again soon. Thank you for signing autographs and taking pictures with us" Mr. Hass and the Fifth Grade Class.