Boston Marathon 2026
Excel Teachers Raise Money for CAPS!
Two remarkable members of the Excel team are lacing up their running shoes and taking on the 130th Boston Marathon — all in support of our students and our College Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS) program, a 10-person team that supports students during middle and high school and for up to 6 years after graduating!
Their efforts will go directly toward ensuring our students have the resources and support they need to prepare for and thrive in their chosen pathways after Excel, including over $120K in scholarships every year.
Kelsi Farren
School Nurse, Excel Academy Chelsea
Bib #972442
“Running this race is an exciting challenge, and connecting it to a cause that impacts the students I work with makes it even more meaningful.”
Kelsi has served as the school nurse at Excel Academy Chelsea for the past two years, spending her days supporting students’ health and well-being so they can learn, grow, and succeed. A runner since middle school, this will be her fourth marathon and second Boston Marathon.
“I hope this experience can serve as a positive example for students, showing that living a healthy, active life into adulthood is possible and that pursuing the activities you love does not have to stop when you grow up.”
Elizabeth Purvis
AP Biology and Science Department Chair, Excel Academy Charter High School
Bib #972170
“This will be my first marathon and my first real return to racing since becoming a mom, and I can think of no cause I’d be more excited to run for than my students.”
Elizabeth joined Excel in 2013 and has been a cornerstone of the high school science program ever since, from founding 9th grade biology teacher to her current role as AP Biology teacher and Science Department Chair. Over more than a decade at Excel, she has witnessed countless milestones, and some of her former students have even become her colleagues.
