Kyle D’Amore, a proud 2018 graduate of WPSD, grew up in a Deaf family as the eldest of three siblings—Chad (Class of 2019) and Jenna (Class of 2021). After high school, Kyle pursued his studies at Gallaudet University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Risk and Insurance Management in 2024. While at Gallaudet, Kyle served on the Business Student Council (BSC) and worked with the Student Financial Services office.
Outside of his career, he plans to focus on personal growth and community involvement, and explore different cultures to broaden his perspective. He also wants to dedicate time to volunteering, particularly with organizations that support youth education. On a more personal level, he will strive to continue to develop healthy habits, learn new skills, like a second language, and maintain strong relationships with family and friends.
His involvement in cross country and track & field at Gallaudet University sparked a deep passion for athletics, particularly long- distance running. That passion ultimately led him to a major personal milestone: completing his first full marathon—26.2 miles—at the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 4, 2025.
Kyle’s long-term goal is even more ambitious: to become an Ironman by completing a grueling triathlon of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon—all in one day.
Kyle’s journey places him in a unique league—he is the sixth WPSD alumnus to complete a full marathon, an extraordinary accomplishment within the WPSD community. His story reflects not only personal dedication but also the growing popularity and impact of long-distance running across the United States.
The rise of marathon running in the U.S. began during the 1970s “Running Boom”, when the nation experienced a cultural shift toward personal fitness and wellness. Events held in urban cities, transformed the marathon into a mass-participation sport. By the 1980s and 1990s, running had gone mainstream, bolstered by better training programs, gear, and medical support. Today, the marathon stands as a symbol of personal achievement—whether for fitness, fundraising, or the pursuit of a lifelong goal.
At WPSD, many alumni have embraced this spirit. While hundreds have participated in shorter races such as 1-milers, 5Ks, 10Ks, and 10-milers, approximately 30 alumni have completed at least one half-marathon (13.1 miles).
The full marathon, however, remains the ultimate benchmark — demanding months of preparation, physical endurance, and mental strength.
As of 2025, six alumni have completed at least one full marathon. Notably, three of them—Brian Gregory (Class of 1988), David Fulmer (Class of 1996), and most recently, Kyle D’Amore (Class of 2018)—ran the Pittsburgh Marathon, underscoring its significance as a local race with strong ties to the WPSD community.
Brian Gregory recorded an impressive time of 3 hours, 10 minutes, and 25 seconds on May 1, 1988—just one month before his WPSD graduation.
Wendy McCulley (Class of 1991) holds the distinction of completing the most marathons among WPSD alumni, with a total of five: Indianapolis, IN, Cincinnati, OH, Grand Rapids, MI, Buffalo, NY and NCR Trail in Sparks, Maryland.
Patricia Haskins (Class of 1984) completed two marathons—one in San Francisco, California, and another in Washington, D.C., both in 1987. She went even further by completing four ultramarathons, including a 100-mile race, a 100-kilometer race, and two 50-mile races—all held in states within the U.S. Pacific and Arizona Time Zones.
Let’s not forget Thomas Hattaway (Class of 1977), currently the oldest WPSD graduate to complete a full marathon. He finished his one and only 26.2-mile race in Washington, D.C., in October 2002.
As more alumni consider taking on the marathon challenge, Kyle’s achievement continues to inspire. Perhaps you will be the next to cross that 26.2-mile finish line.
This article is written by David Fulmer, Class of 1996 and published in WPSD KEYSTONE newsletter Summer 2025, volume 1, number 3.
