Uniondale High School Assistant Principal Runs Berlin Marathon

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK—Uniondale High School Assistant Principal José Ernesto Ortiz recently took his passion for running and inspiring students across the Atlantic Ocean as he participated in the Berlin Marathon. As a representative of his running club, Dominican Runners, Mr. Ortiz showcased his talents on the international stage.

"I am proud to represent the Uniondale community, Dominican Runners and my culture," Mr. Ortiz said. "I hope experiences like this can serve as a reminder to our students that there are many ways to celebrate who we are, challenge ourselves and represent our communities beyond the walls of our school."

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More than 40 members of Dominican Runners joined Mr. Ortiz, with many traveling directly from the Dominican Republic.

"I truly appreciate the encouragement and support from the Uniondale School District that allowed me to take part in such a memorable experience," Mr. Ortiz said.

After participating in the New York City Marathon in 2025, Mr. Ortiz helped organize the Uniondale High School's inaugural Turkey Trot last school year. This meaningful community event, which has now become an annual tradition, is free for participants and invites students and staff to run or walk on the high school track and donate canned and nonperishable food to the school's food pantry. This year's Turkey Trot will take place on November 23rd at 3:30 p.m., and Mr. Ortiz intends to make it as memorable as the first.

For more information about the Uniondale School District, please visit the District's website at https://district.uniondaleschools.org and "like" the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/uniondalek12.