Did you catch Leila Fujimori’s story in yesterday’s Star-Advertiser about the teacher in rural Keaau who is teaching a passion for running? Really an inspiring tale, ready for the big screen.

In the story we learn of the DOE’s demotion of physical education (childhood obesity, anyone?) and the apparent connection between physical activity and learning. I was left wondering how many other schools have 3 out of 4 students below the poverty level. That’s certainly a problem that Board of Education politics won’t address at all.

Bellosi, who was one of 10 children in a Kailua, Oahu, running family dubbed the “Motley Crew,” tries to motivate by example, as did her parents, making it fun by running with the kids and dropping comments like “old lady coming through” as she weaves through the pack. There is no pressure nor drill sergeant tactics.

She points out that running doesn’t require great skill or agility, and some prefer to walk and talk.

Bellosi said students more involved in sports and clubs are not only healthier, but also less likely to be influenced by negative things.

At Keaau, 75 percent of students are at the poverty level, predominantly from immigrant Filipino and Micronesian families. Many can’t afford running shoes.

Because they have modest means, the students often have poor diets, with little fresh fruit and vegetables, Bellosi said.

“They have very little control over their circumstances and their lives, so we give them an opportunity to do something to make good choices.”

Interesting that no-budget barefoot running appears to be having a greater positive impact on student outcomes than years of bureaucratic dithering and “school reforms”.

In any case, Fujimori managed to get a lot of information into this good news story. Good work.