40 for Marshall Virtual Race/Challenge

Ms. Marquetta Marshall leaves behind a legacy of literacy.  She began working with the Tuscaloosa City Schools in August of 2015 and served as the secretary for both Rock Quarry Middle and Northridge Middle Schools.  Ms. Marshall passed away suddenly on March 9, 2020.  Prior to her passing, Ms. Marshall was in the process of completing coursework to earn her Master’s Degree in counseling.  Although Ms. Marshall did not get to be officially declared a counselor, she could always be found doing the work of a counselor -- checking on students’ well-being upon entering the building each day, admonishing students to listen to their teachers and “learn something”, and reassuring students who weren’t having a good day, that things would get better.  The love Ms. Marshall had for our students, school, and community could be felt whenever she interacted with anyone.  We wish to dedicate a place for our students to visit to keep the memory of Ms. Marshall alive and to honor her desire to see them embrace a love for learning through literacy.  It is only fitting that we honor Ms. Marshall by naming the NMS library after her.

Literacy is the door to learning.  Through the proceeds from the 40 for Marshall Virtual Race/Challenge, we hope to raise enough money to elevate the Northridge Middle School Library to "Exemplary Status".  With this title, the NMS Library will house a collection that will provide for 15 books for each and every student.  With so many dedicated print resources for each student in the NMS Family, Ms. Marshall's goal of embracing each child's love of learning through literacy will most certainly be achieved. 

Why the title - 40 for Marshall? 

40 Books - The number of books that we encourage Northridge Middle School students to read each year.

40 Minutes - The number of minutes we encourage Northridge Middle School students to read each day.

40 Minutes - The number of minutes of activity suggested by the 40 for Marshall Virtual Race and Challenge (which can be accomplished through activities such as running, walking, biking, walking the dog, or playing any sport for 40 minutes).

$40 - The entry fee for the 40 for Marshall Virtual Race and Challenge

We seek to raise $50,000 by August 2020 in order to achieve Exemplary Status for the Library and to officially name the NMS Library The Marquetta Marshall Library.

With your help, we can make this goal a reality.  Here's how:

1. Sign up for the 40 for Marshall Virtual Race/Challenge today!
2. Any time between Thursday, July 23, 2020 and July 27, 2020, participate in the exercise activity of your choice for 40 minutes.
3. After finishing your 40 for Marshall Virtual Race/Challenge, post a picture of you (and anyone you participated with) at your finish line with the #40forMarshall.
4. After completing the race, you will receive a digital certificate of completion and a special place in the Northridge Middle School Library's legacy of literacy.