“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” according to a Chinese proverb.
Fifth-grader Brady McPherson began a 100-mile journey months ago with a single step, and ended it Oct. 18 to thunderous applause from his fifth-grade peers at Kingston Elementary School.
McPherson, who was not an avid runner, accepted the challenge from his parents in exchange for a special reward if he accomplished the goal.
“He has a few things he really focuses on which are elevators, escalators, vacuums and trains,” explained Sean McPherson, Brady’s father. “He’s infatuated with this vacuum, the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball™ vacuum. Every day he is watching videos of it. I said, ‘If you do 100 miles, that will the gold at the end of the rainbow.’”
Brady found his gold in Kingston’s gym after running the final 25 yards of his challenge through the school hallway to the cheers of students and staff.
After high-fiving classmates surrounding him with a congratulatory banner, he hugged his dad and said with a broad smile, “I did it.”
Kingston special education teacher Danielle Pellerin kicked off the brief presentation that followed, while Brady got a close-up look at his new vacuum.
“For those of you who do not know Brady, this is his first year at Kingston and we all could not be more thankful to have him here,” said Pellerin. “At the beginning of the year, Brady told us about a challenge that his parents had set for him. His goal was to run 100 miles in exchange for the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball vacuum, which you see right here. 100 miles. How far do you think that is?”
“A lot!” responded fifth graders seated in rows on the gym floor.
“It’s 400 laps during running day,” continued Pellerin. “Imagine running 400 laps. That’s a lot. Today he ran the final segment of his 100-mile challenge and that’s amazing! Congratulations, Brady!”
The raucous applause in the gym prompted an even bigger smile from Brady.
His parents were equally proud and appreciative.
“First, we just want to say a very special thanks to Mrs. Pellerin and all staff. This was way more than we expected,” said Sean, standing with Brady and his mother Grace McPherson. “We’re just really blessed to be part of the Kingston community. Somebody’s smiling from ear to ear up here. That says it all.”
Sean added that earning a vacuum, which was donated by Dyson after hearing about the 100-mile challenge, was not the only benefit Brady gained.
“When we started this, Brady couldn’t run half a mile,” Sean told the crowd. “Now when he runs, he runs three to four miles every time. To put that into perspective, it’s 87 miles to Richmond, so he ran further than that. It’s 26.2 miles in a marathon, which I try and run sometimes, that’s four marathons. So, for any of you who want to do this or are going to try something else, just know that you can. This is really a great testament to Brady, but you guys can do this as well.”
His efforts also helped him transition to the new school and see friendly faces while running with his dad through the neighborhood.
“When we’re out running, we always hear a bunch of you screaming, ‘Go Brady!’” Sean said. “If you every want a running partner, you’ll see a kid smiling and you can come run with him.”
“So, again, thank you guys so much,” said Sean. “This is a little overwhelming and amazing, and our house is going to be the cleanest house in the neighborhood. Thank you very much.”
“Good job, Brady!” shouted a student, initiating more wild applause.
Before everyone left, Brady wanted to address the crowd of students and staff he’s only known for seven weeks.
“I am so honored to be here. This is just so great,” he said. “Thank you guys so much for coming out. This is just a blessing to me. I love all you guys. You’re so cool! Thank you!”
Brady took a ceremonial bow before plugging in the vacuum in the gym wall to hear it work.
As the fifth-graders ran outside for the remainder of PE class, Sean reflected on what started as Brady’s quest for a vacuum.
“It’s less about the running and more about the fact that I get to spend 40 minutes with him a couple times a week.” Sean said. “Every person he runs by, he says, ‘Good morning’ or ‘Good afternoon.’ He’s just such a sweetheart, and to see him physically fit and to see the kids, because he has his own challenges, to have them yell, “Go Brady” when we run by, that is great. It’s special for me to get to spend quality time with him.”
Spending time with Brady at school is also one of Pellerin’s favorite moments of the day.
“He just exudes this energy that’s amazing,” she said. “I get him off the bus every morning and drop him off at the bus every afternoon, and I don’t have to do that because he’s fully capable. But I love to start my day and end my day with that kid. He is just so sweet and positive and he’s says hi to everyone, even if he doesn’t know them. He’s such a pleasure.”
And while the celebration was for Brady, Kingston principal Sharon Shewbridge noted he was eager to recognize everyone else for their support.
“It’s just his personality,” said Shewbridge. “He said, ‘I’m so honored to be here.’ We’re doing this for him and he turns it around and says, ‘Thank you so much for making this happen. Thank you so much for accepting me.’ That speaks to my kids and to the building. Someone said that it’s so sad we only get him for one year.”
Pellerin agreed, “It’s pretty amazing that he can make such a big impact on a school in such a short amount of time.”
Job well done, Brady. I am so proud of you. You inspire us all to dream big and work hard.