P.S. 347 is an official charity partner for the TCS NYC Marathon on Nov. 2, 2025.
We have four charity spots available.
To join our team, each member must raise $3,600
in donations for our school.
DO YOU WANT TO RUN THE NYC MARATHON?!
MEET OUR MARATHON RUNNERS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS!
2024
Mark's journey into running began as a simple way to enjoy the outdoors and discover new corners of Austin, Texas. Yet, what began as a leisurely pursuit soon transformed into a profound passion. As a dedicated Deaf Educator and CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Mark understands the vital role of bilingual education in fostering a strong linguistic foundation. When he's not teaching students at the Texas School for the Deaf, you'll likely find him pounding the pavement, training for his next marathon.
Now, Mark is thrilled to combine his love for running with his commitment to making a difference by representing and raising funds for PS 347 in the upcoming NYC Marathon.
CODA and Texas School for the Deaf Teacher
Deaf, Gay, Multiracial Actor
Dickie Drew Hearts (he/him) is a dynamic actor with notable credits both on stage and screen. His Off-Broadway performances include “Dark Disabled Stories” at The Public Theatre (earning a Lucille Lortel Outstanding Featured Performer Nomination), “Private Jones” - A New Musical at Signature Theatre and Goodspeed Musicals, and “The Laramie Project” with Deaf Austin Theatre. In New York, he has starred in “Maple & Vine” with New York Deaf Theatre and in “Trash” at IRT Theatre. His TV and film roles feature standout performances as Mateo in “Tales of the City” and Alexi in “High Maintenance” on HBO, as well as appearances in “Grace & Frankie”. Recognized for his talent, Dickie has received an Obie Award in 2024 and a Lucille Lortel Award nomination in 2023. He holds a Film degree from Gallaudet University. Hearts strives for more Deaf, disabled, ASL, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation. Follow him on Instagram @DickieHearts.
Dickie also collaborated with P.S. 347 students on two ASL music video Remember Me in 2021 and Somewhere Over the Rainbow in 2023.
ASL/English Interpreter and Runner
Hailey Sweeney is an ASL/English interpreter who has been working across the NYC/Long Island communities for 3 years. She has been signing from a young age, her first exposure to sign language was learning to sign the song “Imagine” by John Lennon. She then continued her journey through high school taking ASL classes and an internship at Cleary School for the Deaf, and is an alumni of Bloomsburg University’s ASL/English interpreting program. Now as an Astoria local, she is continuing her passion for education by interpreting for the DOE full time. Her running journey started as a way to meet people in the community and get her bearings, but has now grown into a passion. After working with a Deaf runner in a training program, she felt inspired to maintain her personal commitment. Now with the opportunity that PS 347 has given her to run the marathon, she is excited to give back to the community that has given so much to her.
SCOTT LEHMANN
AND SHAYNA UNGER
Record-Setting Deaf Mountaineers
Scott Lehmann and Shayna Unger, deaf mountaineers, educators, storytellers, and Mountain Hardwear athletes, were born into multigenerational deaf families and raised in the deaf community. Before they started climbing mountains, Scott worked as a math teacher and Shayna as a school counselor at a deaf school. Over the past ten years, they have climbed some of the world’s highest mountains, including Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Denali, Mont Blanc, and Matterhorn. Most recently, they became the first deaf individuals to reach three 8,000m peaks: Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. They launched the “Seeing Beyond: Seven Summits” project to become the first deaf individuals to reach the Seven Summits, raising awareness, improving accessibility, and inspiring their community. When not climbing, they engage in speaking engagements, including recent appearances at the Outside Festival and Google. Beyond the peaks, they are dedicated to supporting deaf education and future generations of deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. They’re super stoked to be running for P.S. 347 this year!
MEET OUR MARATHON RUNNERS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS!
2023
Dad
My wife and I have newborn baby boy with Usher Syndrome 2A (USH2A). He was born D/HoH and later in his adolescence, he will start to lose his vision which can lead to full blindness. In the last couple of months, we have fallen in love with the D/HoH and Blind communities. We’ve been learning ASL, talking with others within the community and learning about the daily life for D/HoH individuals.
Sadly, I have already seen difficulties in obtaining resources for the deaf/blind community. This why I’m so passionate about raising funds and spread awareness in my local community.
Originally from Texas, Corinna Hill is a Deaf historian and college professor based in Rochester, NY. Corinna likes to pet all the dogs she meets, drink restaurant water, and check out local coffee shops. She is a proud product of the Deaf education system (shout out to the Eagles and Orioles) and looks forward to the day when we no longer have to argue for the value of bilingual education for Deaf children because it will be taken as a given. She is already looking forward to that post run bagel.
Deaf Historian and RIT Professor
ASL Interpreter, Baltimore County Public Schools
Born and raised in the Bronx, Trisha graduated from high school in 1999 with a desire to pursue a career in American Sign Language. She discovered her love for ASL when she took a class being offered at JHS 47 (nka PS 47). She didn’t know it at the time, but this class would not only spur her career path but also provide her the ability to give back to the school that sparked her love for American Sign Language. Trisha is currently in her 16th year working as an Educational Interpreter for Baltimore County Public Schools. She still tells the story of learning ASL at JHS 47 and how having that strong foundation provided her success in her schooling and employment.
ASL Interpreter, DOE Employee, Goal Setter
Denise Kahler-Braaten is a long time employee of the NYC Department of Education/Office of Sign Language Interpreting Services (OSLIS). OSLIS has a long history of providing interpreting services at PS 347 and Denise has spent many a day there interpreting for Deaf parents and staff. Denise looks forward to fundraising for the school and the education of deaf and hard of hearing students. 2023 will be Denise’s second running of the NYC Marathon yet her first time with the 347 team. She’s hoping her hard work and training will pay off and she can set a new PR all the while running for a great cause.
Friend
I'm thrilled to be running the marathon alongside my best friend, Jayson. He and his wife recently welcomed their baby, Jude, into the world, and he was born with Usher Syndrome 2A (USH2A). Jude was born deaf/hard of hearing, and later in his adolescence, he will start to lose his vision, which can lead to full blindness.
I've witnessed the incredible journey of their family as they've embraced this cause wholeheartedly. Their passion has inspired me to join the mission to raise funds and awareness for the deaf/hard of hearing communities. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create a brighter future for those who need it most.
As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), I have long appreciated the bridge between the Deaf and hearing communities that places like P.S.347 can create. Environments like these are invaluable to children growing up in the Deaf community — and that includes my dad, who was once a student here (a longgg time ago)! However, through my mom, who is at another school for the Deaf, and my wife, also a public school teacher, I know first-hand that public schools are perpetually underfunded. By joining Team PS 347, I have pledged to achieve a fundraising goal (which I hope to greatly exceed!) furthering their mission to be that bridge as well as support Deaf culture and ASL for many generations to come.
CODA
Jason Recht is a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA) originally from Rockville Maryland. I have two deaf parents, including one who has Usher's Syndrome.
I currently reside in Arlington, Virginia, and have recently completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC.. As I prepare to run in the NYC marathon, I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to raise money for people within the deaf community, as it is something that I hold near and dear to my heart. My mother recently completed the NYC marathon last fall as a deaf and blind runner, so I look forward to being another person in my family to complete the race and raise money for a great cause!
CODA
MEET OUR MARATHON RUNNERS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS!
2022
Deaf Actor, Mom, Former PS347 Teacher
Lauren Ridloff taught kindergarten and first grade at P.S. 347 for nearly a decade (2002- 2011). She is the mother of two Deaf boys and a strong proponent of an ASL-positive academic environment like P.S. 347. Her breakthrough role was in 2018 with her lead performance in the Broadway play Children of a Lesser God, for which she was nominated for several awards, including a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. She was subsequently cast in The Walking Dead as Connie and as Marvel’s first Deaf superhero Makkari in the film Eternals.
Dickie Hearts collaborated with P.S. 347 on an ASL music video of Remember Me in 2021. He is an actor and 3x national film contest winner. His TV credits include a recurring role on Netflix's Tales of the City (2019), a supporting role on HBO's High Maintenance (2020), and a costarring role on Netflix's Grace & Frankie (2017). Stage credits include NY Deaf Theater's Maple & Vine and IRT's Stepchild, Please Untranslate Me, and Trash. Dickie Hearts continues to push for more Deaf LGBTQ+ BIPOC visibility and representation onstage and onscreen. Dickie is repped by Rossi Talent Management (RTM) and Nicolosi & Co.
Deaf, Gay, Multiracial Actor
Deaf Teacher Assist, Lexington School for the Deaf
Born in Queens, NY, Danny is a Teacher Assistant at Lexington School for the Deaf. Danny graduated from Gallaudet University and majored in Theatre Arts. His theatrical experience includes” “RED, WHITE, BLUE”, “THE THREE RING OF CARMEN”, and “STAGED” at Lexington, as well as “FENCES”, “URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL”, and “SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY” at Gallaudet. There he was part of one of the first student production designer teams, “CHARLOTTE’S WEB.”. Danny was also in the MTV Commercial “BLAME MTV.” He thanks his family, friends, and the Theatre Art Department from Gallaudet University.
Mom, PTA Member, Cheese Shop Owner, & Documentarian
Alana splits her time between running the family business, working in documentaries & news, and volunteering at P.S. 347 where her Deaf daughter and hearing son both attend. She does all she can to support ’47’ and believes in its unique potential. She is so grateful for the Deaf community and how they have welcomed her family with open arms. ASL is dear to her heart and she aims to one day become truly fluent! Alana is currently developing a documentary on Deafness and cochlear implants.
Dad, NBC News Director of Photography
Ryan Robbins is the proud father of two P.S. 347 students -- one Deaf and one who just doesn't listen ;) He has worked in media for many years, initially in print as a writer/editor and for the last 15 years on the television side, and is currently the Director of Photography for NBC News. He much prefers trail running to pavement, plans to nose-kiss his kids if he can spot them roadside during the marathon, and suspects that he might be just a tad sore the following morning.
Dad and Wafflemaker
Joe Morse is the proud dad of two amazing kids, neither of whom attend P.S. 347, but he is super excited to be able to help fundraise for such a wonderful school! When he isn't awkwardly jogging through the pre-dawn NYC streets, Joe can usually be found making waffles for his kids or looking for creative ways to apply his music composition degree to his day job, working in Compliance for a hedge fund. On race day, look for the guy slumped over at a 90-degree angle and clutching a bagel in each hand.
WHO WE ARE
P.S. 347, The American Sign Language & English Lower School, is a Title I PreK-to-8 public school in NYC serving d/Deaf, hard-of-hearing (D/HOH), CODA (children of deaf adults), and hearing students.
We provide a bilingual education that values American Sign Language and Deaf culture. Our students come from all over NYC to be a part of this special place—a place where hearing differences are the norm, and everyone feels like they truly belong.
We are on a quest to become the most inclusive school for the Deaf community, and strive to create a new generation of hearing allies and advocates. We aim to provide support and solidarity to the entire NYC Deaf community.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
P.S. 347 provides its students with strong academic support and many amazing opportunities, from garden residencies to theater collaborations. But these don’t come easy. While many other public schools in our district are able to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, the P.S. 347 community cannot. The unfortunate reality is that the majority of our families live in poverty. Many of our students experience daily food insecurity and live in the shelter system. Thus our school does more than just provide an education; we help fulfill basic needs so that these children can simply make it to school everyday.
P.S. 347 is able to do all we do thanks solely to the resourcefulness and dedication of our staff, parents, and our community. We work hard for every penny we raise, and we rely on grants and the generosity of those who are able to contribute. Thank you for your support!
