Saturday, May 9 dawned cloudy and cool, but over 300 runners and walkers felt warm with memories as they gathered to honor the life of Elizabeth Clare Schickel in the annual Run Like a Maverick event to raise funds for a Montrose scholarship founded in her name. The event raised $15,000 for the scholarship that honor’s Elizabeth’s name. The Schickel family’s extended clan of siblings, relatives and friends managed every detail, from corporate sponsorships to raffles, runners and pancakes. As the runners neared the finish line, the sun broke through reminding all of the warmth of Elizabeth’s guiding light.

Abe Schickel addressed the runners before the start with a story about his daughter Elizabeth and the inspiration for this memorial event. Abe said, “I love to tell stories about Elizabeth, and one day I was bringing her home from a radiation treatment for her brain tumor when she started to cry. She looked out at the runners along the road and said, ‘I just want to run again.’ A little while later, she gathered herself and said to me: ‘I’m just glad other people can still enjoy running.’ This was a perfect act of love — to want for someone else something that only another can enjoy.”

Abe continued: “Gathering here to support the scholarship fund is a perfect tribute to Elizabeth’s selfless love.” He also reminded the runners of another comment Elizabeth made, the banner that defines the race: “If I can ever run again, I’m never going to stop.” One can imagine Elizabeth running freely in heaven, filled with joy and shining her bright light over the participants, volunteers and corporate sponsors who made this day possible. Maria Schickel ‘20 said it best: “It’s all about my sister, and it means a lot to me.”

Mike Melley, father of Catherine ‘16 and Clare ‘19 and husband of Montrose trustee Kelly, brought five runners to the event. He said: “This is a great way to remember an unbelievable girl while bringing together the whole community — not just Montrose, but Medfield and beyond.”  Jeb Booth, father of Rylee ‘16, said: “This day is all about the Schickels, who are such a loving family, and about Elizabeth who was such a bright light. When I think of Elizabeth, I just see her sheer joy.”

Hannah Schickel ‘10 brought a contingent of college graduate friends from as far as New York City. Sarah St. Amand said, “We’re here because the Schickel family is the most caring and supportive family I know, and I’m happy to be here to support a good cause.”

TJ Elrod, the 9 year old son of Montrose’s Director of Curriculum & Faculty Development Katie Elrod, said he was running “to get money for the scholarship so more girls can go to this awesome school.” The youngest runner of the day, John Stordy, brother of Katie ‘17 and Maggie ‘18, said, “I’m thinking all about the pancakes!” Allyson McHugh ‘00 added: “Great day. Great weather. Great pancakes.”

Fr. Dick summed up the day: “This was a run for love.”