Q&A WITH LESLIE O’NEIL, PARENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

When Leslie O’Neil isn’t running your favorite Parents Association events and fundraisers, she is doing another very different type of running — competitive Ironman and marathon racing. With three Boston Marathons and seven Ironman competitions under her belt, Leslie’s determination and tenacity are unparalleled, and she brings this same dedication to all that she does as the Parents Association President.

I originally moved to San Francisco for college, where met my husband Brendan, and now we live in Cow Hollow with two teenage sons — Colin, a sophomore, and Paddy, a senior, who both attend Stuart Hall High School. Thirteen years ago, we joined Convent & Stuart Hall. As a new kindergarten parent, my first volunteer experience was with Seconds to Go, where I folded large tablecloths with another kindergarten mom, Sheree Pirie. Since then, have volunteered every year, always finding ways to get involved in Parents Association events and supporting the faculty and administration. In the beginning, I said yes to any day-of volunteer needs I could, like being a “lice lady,” field trips and helping move Easter baskets from one campus to the other. As my boys got older, I was able to take on larger volunteer roles like a Class Parent, organizing sports, serving as Secretary of the Parents Association Board, Annual Fund Captain and VP of Stuart Hall for Boys. In January 2021, I became the President of the Parents Association. All along the way, I have enjoyed volunteering, meeting fellow parents and having a great time at the school.

I strongly believe in the mission of the Parents Association — to build community and fundraise for Convent & Stuart Hall through annual events. As a parent of two students, I truly believe there is no better place to dedicate my time volunteering than in ways that foster education. Other than my commitment to education, I find myself inspired by the Convent & Stuart Hall faculty and administration and their dedication to the education given to my boys and the other students. I am also inspired by my community, and I treasure the friendships with the parents I have met along the way. There is one benefit, though, I did not expect upon joining the Parents Association: how much I would learn from our wonderful faculty and administration. Dr. Ann Marie Krejcarek has taught me a lot over the years, and her leadership and dedication inspire me. fell in love with running when I was in the third grade. My father was a runner, and I would get up early to lie on the carpet in front of my parents’ bedroom door, waiting for him to embark on his morning run. One of my favorite things is to run early in the morning; I head out in the dark with a headlamp and watch the sky turn from black to navy blue, then sky blue. have also met wonderful running buddies training, and we motivate each other for various races to achieve our goals.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ACCOMPLISHING AS THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT?

This is a good question! When I took on this role in January 2021, the Parents Association — and our events — were challenged by the pandemic. I’m most proud of the parents who stepped up to organize our successful events and fundraisers during a time that required so much clever planning. We have a remarkable group of talented parents who I learn from every day, and I am proud to be a part of our success. My daily goal is to support the Parents Association Board and create a fun volunteer experience for all.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

Free time? may need a refresher course on that topic! enjoy any free time with my boys; however, a road bike in the garage frequently calls my name!

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN FITNESS AND RUNNING, AND WHAT HAS MOTIVATED YOU TO CONTINUE THIS PASSION?

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO RUN IN SAN FRANCISCO?

My favorite is a nine-mile route in San Francisco, where most of the distance is not on asphalt. This run bends through Crissy Field, under the Golden Gate Bridge, out to Baker Beach and then winds around in the Presidio. This quickly became my favorite because one of my running buddies, our black labrador retriever, Olivia, can run with me off leash.

I’m unsure if one can classify the handshake as a tradition, but it is one of my favorites. My boys have learned how to foster the confidence and kindness to introduce themselves, shake hands, look the person in the eye, smile and say, “Hello, nice to meet you.” There are many other favorite Convent & Stuart Hall traditions, but I always look forward to Mass of the Holy Spirit and Cor Unum Week. Mass of the Holy Spirit is a great schoolwide celebration and “spiritual kick-off” to the year for our entire community. I’m sure it is no surprise that I like Cor Unum Week, as we unite as a Sacred Heart community and volunteer in our city.