AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin elementary school teacher has gone above and beyond to raise money for students at his school, by combining two of his passions.

“It’s a lifestyle," said Luis Resendiz, runner and teacher at Ridgetop Elementary School. "It's more than a passion, it's something that— it's like brushing my teeth. I have to run or else I don't feel healthy."

Resendiz’s passion for running knows no bounds and neither does his love for his students.

"We really care about our students as individuals," said Resendiz. "A teacher is not like a 9-month job— you want to be there for the entire summer. So, if they need me, I'll be there."

“Being in his class is very fun because he’s very patient and calm," said Lawton Mickelson, a first-grader in Resendiz's class.

“He’s has always gone above and beyond as a teacher, even before COVID-19. But since the schools have closed, he has really just done an incredible job of staying connected with the kids and really trying to support them. He’s a real inspiration," said Clara Bradbury, a Ridgetop parent.

This family sits in the back of their vehicle, holding signs cheering on Resendiz. (Spectrum News) 

“I take it very serious, the fact that we are role models. So I try my best to be as best role model as possible and if they can get whatever from me in these nine months, that will be my accomplishment," said Resendiz.

But with schools closed due to COVID-19, Resendiz became concerned about the pandemic’s impact on his students’ academic progress.

“My concern is that they won’t get as much knowledge as they should. The expectation for the end of the year, it might not be met by all of them. So I feel worried for the summer," said Resendiz.

That concern prompted him to combine his two passions and run 50 miles around his apartment complex to raise money for his school.

“This would be my— if this counts as two marathons— it will be my 11th marathon," said Resendiz.

He says the money will go towards hands-on activities, flexible seating, technology, and books.

“Spanish books since our school is a dual language school we need a lot of good, good quality literature in Spanish," he said.

The gesture was not lost on his students and their parents who came out to show their support, some even joining him for a lap or two.

“I want him to know that we’re really grateful for him doing this for us," said Parker Mickelson, a fourth-grader at Ridgetop.

“I wanted to cheer him on, so he could feel proud of himself," said Abraham Garcia, a Ridgetop third-grader.

“I really wanted to see him accomplish it and I really wanted the kids to experience watching him dedicating himself to accomplishing it," said Bradbury.

Resendiz successfully completed the entire 50 miles, and so far, has raised more than $11,500.

“I was not expecting it. I mean, I spread the word if they wanted to come and show some support, so I was really shocked that they came and made it. That’s - what can I say - it’s just lovely. The love that you give is the love that you get in return," said Resendiz.