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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
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JACKIE'S RUN

Whenever I saw her, I was reminded of the beginning of a fairy tale " Once
upon a time, there was a princess." I remembered her from somewhere—Petit,
clear complexion with ruby cheeks, sharp distinct features. She was quiet
and reserved.
Eventually I asked her where had I met her before. Instantly, it all
flashed back. Jackie Morgan gave the valedictory address at the 1998
Country Day School graduation in the form of a poem. She said she wasn't a
good public speaker. But she wanted to take the audience through life from
kindergarten to college. She wanted to show how our lives change. And
changed she is.
At nineteen, Jackie is participating in her first Olympic type competition.
She has ran many road races. Winning the Women's Coalition races and many
other local VI races for long distances, winning the 10,000 meters twice at
the University of New Mexico where she just completed her freshman year,
Jackie is experiencing her first year of being coached. She is the complete
athlete's package. She knows what hard work is all about. She is smart.
She is disciplined. She is certain.
Jackie states, "This is my first race." "I won't win. There are many
faster than I. Some run at 32s and 33s. I just want to do my personal
best. I am at 36:14. I want to be at 35:30."
Jackie, a major in sociology and history, is doing her part to contribute to
the Pan Am Games and the history of VI participation in the Olympics. She
modestly declares, I like running for this group. It's a great group and
you feel like you belong to a family—not one person out of eight hundred."
Deep in thought she says, " I am not good at words. I'll do my best."

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