A Claremont teen and decorated student-athlete, who has literally gone the extra mile to buy groceries for families in need, is now trying to help other young runners while raising awareness about racial and cultural disparities.
Soon to be a senior at Claremont High School, seventeen-year-old L’Mio Edwards is a straight-A student and nationally ranked track runner. She has won several notable races, including the Division 1 women’s 800m race during the CIF-SS track and field finals last May.
While juggling her schoolwork, college preparations, and sports career, L’Mio runs a charity to promote diversity and help other student-athletes.
The students and athletes of the East Los Angeles College (ELAC) overcome social challenges to demonstrate their capacity and abilities as women.
You are asking students to write and submit an essay about the struggles and challenges facing minority communities. And in return, it provides free running shoes, which could be a financial burden for many families.
“Track shoes: It’s something that a lot of (athletes) buy every year,” L’Mio explained. “I know some people may not be able to afford that. It’s something to further encourage and support athletes to continue pursuing their academic and sporting achievements.”
L’Mio is no stranger to coming up with ideas to support others in need. During the coronavirus pandemic, he ran 5K every day to raise money to buy groceries for financially challenged families. She and other volunteers even personally delivered purchased food to the homes of isolated people.
“There was a time when I delivered the groceries myself with the funds that were being given to those affected by Covid,” L’Mio recalled. “I went to the house of a lady who had covid and couldn’t leave her real house, so I had to go drop her off. When I left, I only saw the look of surprise on his face.”
Thanks to his family and friends, L’Mio ended up raising nearly $11,000 and donated all of the proceeds.
Now the teen, whose goal is to study neuroscience at Stanford University, is raising money for herself and her younger brother, Zion, so they can attend Stanford’s summer training camp. The fundraising effort is nearing the goal of $4,000 to cover his travel and lodging.
This story first appeared on Telemundo 52’s sister station, NBCLA. Click here to read this story in Spanish
