Meet the Team

Ava Debartolomeis

Hi! I’m Ava, and I’m so excited to be running the 2026 NYC Marathon with Team Charter High School for Law and Social Justice (CHSLSJ)!

CHSLSJ supports a Bronx-based charter school that provides students from under-resourced communities with strong academics, enrichment programs, and the resources they need to succeed.

This mission is especially meaningful to me, having attended charter schools early in my education—an experience that helped shape where I am now.

Running has always been an important part of my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to combine that passion with a cause I deeply believe in. Every dollar raised will go toward expanding opportunities for students—whether through academic support, extracurricular programs, or essential resources that help them thrive.

I’m so excited to take on this challenge and would be grateful for your support in making a real impact for these students. Thank you so much!

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Will McNamara

I’m Will McNamara and I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be running the 2026 NYC Marathon with Team CHSLSJ. Team Charter High School for Law and Social Justice (CHSLSJ) is an organization dedicated to raising funds in support of a charter school based in the Bronx, New York.

Running is a critical part of my day-to-day, from staying healthy to maintaining key relationships to supporting important causes in the broader NYC community. CHSLSJ is an organization near and dear to me, and this will be my third time running the NYC Marathon for this team. Over the past four years, we’ve collectively raised +$50K, with each year’s funds having an immediate and near-term impact on the lives of students – from improving facilities to expanding programs and educational resources. Could not be more excited and more grateful to be taking part in this event and representing this organization.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting Team CHSLSJ's efforts. A donation here, no matter the size, is hyperlocal and high-impact and can drive meaningful change in the everyday education of NYC-based students. Thank you for being part of this journey with me!

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Sarah Myers-James

Hello world! My name is Sarah Myers-James, and I am beyond excited to share that I will be running the NYC Marathon with team CHSLSJ! The Friends of The Charter High School for Law and Social Justice is an organization committed to supporting equitable education in the Bronx, specifically focusing on The Charter High School and Middle School for Law and Social Justice. I am also proud to represent Team CHSLSJ as one of the school counselors on staff and a Bronx native!

While I am not a trained athlete by any means, running has become one of my favorite hobbies and a source of peace. As a mother of 2, I take pride in having the ability to set an example for my daughters and remind them that health, wellness, and self-care can and must exist in all facets of life. In the past 2 years, I have completed several races, including one half-marathon, two 10ks, and a variety of 5ks. I run to inspire not only my children, but anyone who embraces challenges and welcomes showing up for themselves and their goals. Just like education, running has the power to truly transform the trajectory of one's life, and I am honored to support the work of CHSLSJ with this endeavor.

Throughout the years, Team CHSLSJ has raised almost $100,000, and I know that with support from our amazing community, I can meet my goal of raising $3,000 towards closing the achievement gap and providing fair resources for my wonderful students in The Bronx. Your donation will have a lasting impact on educational equity and the lives of our students. Thank you in advance for your support!

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Benjamin Hirsch

I’m Ben Hirsch, and I am so proud to run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on behalf of the Charter High School for Law and Social Justice. I first joined CHSLSJ as a Teach For America corps member in 2022, where I taught U.S. History for two years. Today, I continue my commitment to its students as a member of the school's Board of Trustees. The Charter High School for Law and Social Justice—and its newly opened middle school—do incredible work to expand opportunities for New York City's students and provide the academic support and resources they deserve.

This year marks my fourth year organizing Team LSJ and my second time running the TCS New York City Marathon. Together, our runners have raised nearly $100,000 to expand opportunities for students. These funds help provide critical academic resources, strengthen school facilities, and enrich the educational experience of every student we serve. I am incredibly proud to represent this remarkable school community and the young people who inspire us every day. Thank you for supporting this mission and helping ensure that every LSJ student has the resources and opportunities they deserve.

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Wylie Kaplan

I am excited to share that I will be running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon this November for the second time!

I am proud to be running on behalf of The Friends of the Charter School for Law and Social Justice, a nonprofit organization that supports the Charter School for Law and Social Justice in the Bronx, New York. The organization’s mission is to provide students with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

This will be Team LSJ’s fourth year participating in the NYC Marathon. Over the past three years, our team has raised more than $80,000, helping fund meaningful improvements for the school and its students. These funds have contributed to building a school library, expanding access to learning materials, providing technology for students, and supporting programs that enrich the educational experience.

I would be incredibly grateful for your support. Whether you are able to donate, share this page, or simply cheer me on throughout training and race day, every contribution helps move Team LSJ closer to our goal of creating a lasting impact on the students of the Charter School for Law and Social Justice.

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