Mrs. Provenzano, an Artist and a Runner

Putting in about ten miles daily on mountains or trails, Ms. Donnamarie Provenzano, an AP art teacher, demonstrates remarkable passion and commitment to her work and fitness. She is known by her students for being “very eccentric and just a fun energy to be around.” You may catch her painting an oil painting in her classroom or socializing with students or other teachers, always wearing her floral apron with an old pair of Hoka running shoes, ready to take off on a run.
Still, many people don't know she has a passion for running. ”I find running very similar to meditation for me. It helps me zone out, process my life, the world, and things that are going on,” says Provenzano. Her passion and zest for running are also reflected in her work as the drawing and painting 1-AP teacher. “She's going to work really hard for her students, she's gonna pursue her passions in life,…she's going to take everything to its absolute limit and get the most out of life every single day,” says her neighboring teacher for the past 3 years, the IB art instructor, Ms Stephanie Swenson.
​By bringing her passionate energy to the classroom and her work, she creates an energetic, bright, and engaging environment for her students. This is very appreciated in any classroom, especially in creative classes such as Drawing and Painting. “She's an absolute spitfire. She's very spunky, she's vivacious, she's just so full of life, and she's very optimistic.” Ms. Swenson discusses Ms. Provenzano's energy both in and out of the classroom.
By the time Ms. Provenzano puts on her Hokas for work, they’ve already been through many races and miles. For Ms. Provenzano, her Hokas represent more than just shoes; they represent shared miles, joy, mental challenges, the races she’s done, and the races yet to come.