Published: January 2025
Michelle Holman is entering her final year teaching at Ashbury College before retirement, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom — motivating students to stay active, embrace the power of giving, and passionately support the one institution that touches so many of us: The Ottawa Hospital.
Michelle joined Ashbury College in 1995 as a physical education (PE) teacher and boarding supervisor for students who live on campus during the academic year. In a pivotal moment shortly into her tenure, she was approached by Head of School, Roy Napier, and Dr. Chris Carruthers, an Ashbury board member and former chief of staff at The Ottawa Hospital, and asked to create a team at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend — an initiative that would connect the school with the community and promote a culture of wellness.
That’s how Team Ashbury was born. “It started with just the track team. Then after a few years, we included staff and anybody else who wanted to join. And then, it soon became so popular.”
Being a part of Team Ashbury at race weekend is now fully integrated into the educational program, spearheaded by Michelle and her department, which consists of eleven dedicated members of the physical education department, including a head trainer and an athletic therapist. “The most important thing for our students to do is get involved on a school team so they feel part of the community and they have that sense of belonging. It’s like they find their people.”
Guiding Team Ashbury to success
While encouraging students to stay active was the main driver, Michelle made it clear during their training how important the fundraising was for the community. While fundraising is not mandatory, teaching philanthropy to her students is incredibly important to her and her fellow leaders.
“We’re The Ottawa Hospital’s largest team,” Michelle explains. “We talk about the cancer research, patient care, and how our fundraising will benefit so many in our community. It is a local initiative, but The Ottawa Hospital is on a global scale, and this will be shared with the entire world.”
Every class that raises the most per capita receives a celebratory lunch and treat post-race weekend. Everyone loves an incentive!
Although students are celebrated for their philanthropic achievements, Michelle stresses that their race times are not graded, despite being part of the physical education program. The focus is on their goal setting, training log, and attitude toward working together to achieve a common goal.
“We have walkers, walk/runners, slower runners, faster runners, and it’s important for everyone to be celebrated. That’s what race weekend is all about.”
Michelle and her department’s commitment to their students and community is truly inspiring. As many educators can attest, extracurricular activities often require time outside of school hours. Team Ashbury trains for 10 weeks leading up to race weekend, culminating in a two-day event with over 450 students, families, and teachers — a remarkable undertaking alongside their full-time teaching roles.
When it happens to you
Michelle’s personal connection to cancer care runs deep, shaped by heartbreaking loss. At just 57, her father — vibrant and full of life — died from stomach cancer, marking Michelle’s first encounter with the vital importance of compassionate, skilled healthcare. Her father, the man who introduced her to running, also unknowingly sparked her lifelong dedication to supporting cancer research and staying active in the fight against this devastating disease.
“He was really young, and nobody could believe it because he was always so healthy. The timing was close to when I started at Ashbury, so I thought: for sure, get involved in fundraising for The Ottawa Hospital.”
When Michelle’s mother was 81, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received treatment at The Ottawa Hospital. Now, at 84, Michelle’s mother is doing remarkably well and was able to spend the summer of 2024 on the golf course. Michelle credits her mother’s strength and good health to the exceptional care she received at our hospital, calling her “stronger than ever.”
Tragically, Michelle’s close friend passed away from breast cancer at just 42 years old. Though her friend didn’t survive, Michelle is grateful for the exceptional care she received at The Ottawa Hospital.
“Everybody’s going to probably be touched by cancer in some way, shape or form — with someone they know, or someone in their family. It just makes sense for us to support.”
— Michelle Holman
“This is why I’m pretty passionate about sticking with The Ottawa Hospital because the Cancer Center is amazing,” adds Michelle “We’re so fortunate. As we sat in the hospital during our visits, we heard about people coming from all over the region for care.”
Michelle deeply understands the life-changing impact of having world-class care right here in our city, supporting not just our region, but people far beyond. Though she never imagined cancer would touch her so personally, it has opened her eyes to the overwhelming importance of community support, ensuring that the care we all need is there when we need it.
“Everybody’s going to probably be touched by cancer in some way, shape or form — with someone they know, or someone in their family. It just makes sense for us to support.”
Retirement on the horizon for this dedicated teacher
The most common question for those nearing retirement is, ‘What’s next?’ Michelle knows her future is filled with endless possibilities, and she’s certain it will involve staying active — both with her local track teams and in fundraising efforts.
“The kids and teachers are amazing — they really are. They get so excited. They buy in and were all part of it. My entire department supports this team and without them I wouldn’t be able to do it.”
— Michelle Holman
Her bonds with her students and the PE department are far from over; they remain deeply cherished and will be some of her most treasured memories.
“The kids and teachers are amazing — they really are. They get so excited. They buy in and were all part of it. My entire department supports this team and without them I wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Michelle envisions other local schools embracing the race weekend, which she calls the best event in our city and a crucial fundraiser for The Ottawa Hospital. Through her dedication, she has sparked an incredible movement that brings students, families, teachers, and faculty together to be part of something truly monumental.
When reflecting on the future of Team Ashbury, Michelle feels nothing but excitement for what lies ahead. “I am confident that the unwavering support from the entire Ashbury physical education department will allow us to maintain a strong presence at the event and reach new heights.”
As she moves into her next chapter, Michelle hopes others will continue to carry the torch, inspiring future generations to stay active, give back, and make a lasting impact. This is more than just a race; it’s a legacy of community, compassion, and change.
