Montgomery County Schools Host Superintendent's Shuffle 5K for Student Meal Debt Relief

Community event raises funds and awareness to address $1.2 million in student meal debt

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:40am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a community running event, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in bright colors representing the energy and diversity of the participants.A vibrant community event raises awareness and funds to address the pressing issue of student meal debt, highlighting the power of grassroots initiatives to create positive change.Rockville Today

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) community came together for the Superintendent's Shuffle 5K, a unique event organized in collaboration with the Dine with Dignity Campaign. The race aimed to raise awareness and funds to tackle the $1.2 million in meal debt incurred by MCPS students. The event attracted a diverse range of participants, from families and students to staff members, all united by the common goal of making a difference in the lives of MCPS students.

Why it matters

Student meal debt is a pressing issue that can negatively impact a child's ability to focus and succeed in the classroom. This community-driven event highlights the power of grassroots initiatives in addressing social issues and creating a more supportive educational environment for all students.

The details

The Superintendent's Shuffle 5K took place at Gaithersburg High School, with the first-place finisher, David Brosnan, a Rockville resident and airline pilot, emphasizing the importance of giving back. Michaela Ezell, whose personal experience with meal debt as a child fueled her determination to help others, also participated, along with her husband, Thomas Squire, a former MCPS employee. The event featured Hallie Wells Middle School student Jacob Lebenkoff, who finished in second place despite being grounded. Superintendent Thomas Taylor also participated, finishing the race in 28 minutes.

  • The Superintendent's Shuffle 5K was held on April 12, 2026.
  • The event aimed to address the $1.2 million in student meal debt incurred by MCPS students.

The players

David Brosnan

A Rockville resident and airline pilot who won the Superintendent's Shuffle 5K.

Michaela Ezell

A participant whose personal experience with meal debt as a child fueled her determination to help others.

Thomas Squire

Michaela Ezell's husband, a former MCPS employee who shares her commitment to supporting students.

Jacob Lebenkoff

A Hallie Wells Middle School student who finished in second place in the Superintendent's Shuffle 5K, despite being grounded.

Thomas Taylor

The Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, who participated in the race.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The event's organizers and participants demonstrated a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to creating a better future for MCPS students. The story of the Superintendent's Shuffle serves as a reminder that even small-scale events can have a significant impact, inspiring others to take action and contribute to a more compassionate and supportive educational environment.

The takeaway

This community-driven event highlights the power of grassroots initiatives in addressing social issues and creating a more supportive educational environment for all students. The Superintendent's Shuffle 5K not only raised funds but also brought the MCPS community together to tackle the pressing issue of student meal debt, demonstrating the potential for small-scale events to make a tangible impact.