For the past two decades, Honda has supported Students Run L.A.’s (SRLA) mission of helping underserved middle and high school students realize their potential and plot a new course for their future by providing them with a life changing experience — training for and completing the 26.2 mile Los Angeles Marathon. Each year, more than 95 percent of the students who start the race, finish the full course, and nearly 100 percent of the high school seniors who finish the marathon graduate and seek higher education. A new video highlights the dedication and commitment of these student athletes.

Since partnering with SRLA 20 years ago, we’ve been inspired by the challenging spirit and commitment that each year’s class of SRLA students has shown,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president, Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility, American Honda. “We hope the program’s lessons in goal-setting and perseverance will help them as they continue to pursue their dreams for the future.”

To celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduating class, Honda hosted a ceremony in the students’ honor. Three hundred fifty SRLA high school seniors, SRLA leaders and volunteers gathered at the American Honda in Torrance, Calif., for the “Celebrating Dreams Graduation Event.” During the ceremony, three students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, as well as their completion of the Los Angeles Marathon. Lyptis R. of Banning High School, Melissa R. of North Hollywood High School, Zoo Magnet and Rosa C. of Alliance Gertz-Ressler Richard Merkin Complex each received a $500 scholarship.

“Embodying the spirit of SRLA’s tag line, ‘In it for the long run,’ American Honda has been a valued supporter of Students Run L.A. for 20 years,” said Marsha Charney, executive director, Students Run LA. “We are honored by Honda’s partnership and its commitment to empower our students to realize their dreams.”