AURORA, IL, May 13, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marlyss Runestad has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Runestad is recognized for her distinguished expertise in physical education, culminating in a 33-year tenure with St. Charles School District. In her most recent role as an educator and physical education teacher, she dedicated herself to fostering a lifelong appreciation for physical activity among her students. Throughout her career, she emphasized the importance of finding enjoyable forms of exercise, believing that all movement contributes positively to one's health and well-being. She also mentored numerous student teachers, sharing her knowledge and passion for the field with future generations of educators.

Prior to her retirement from St. Charles School District, Ms. Runestad spent nearly two decades as a middle school teacher. During this period, she reflected deeply on her impact, often wondering if her efforts would resonate with students as they matured. She remains hopeful that the lessons she imparted will be remembered fondly and carried forward by those she taught.

Before her middle school tenure, Ms. Runestad served as an elementary school teacher for 12 years within the same district. Her commitment to education was evident in her ability to adapt her teaching methods to suit younger learners, laying a strong foundation for their future academic and personal growth.

Ms. Runestad began her teaching career in Pearl City, Illinois, where she worked as a high school instructor for three years. This initial experience provided her with valuable insights into adolescent development and set the stage for her subsequent roles in education.

In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Ms. Runestad devoted three years to coaching at Pearl City H.S. and then coached five years of softball at St. Charles High School. Her leadership extended beyond instruction as she successfully guided student-athletes both on and off the field.

Hailing from an equally accomplished academic background, Ms. Runestad earned a master's degree in physical education from Northern Arizona University, which equipped her with advanced pedagogical skills and a comprehensive understanding of physical wellness. She also holds a bachelor's degree from George Williams College in Downers Grove, Illinois, where she graduated after excelling both academically and athletically.

Throughout her educational pursuits, Ms. Runestad benefited from the mentorship of her own influential teachers and coaches. In particular, she credits her fifth grade teacher and collegiate coach as pivotal figures who inspired her dedication to teaching and athletics. Growing up during a time when women's sports were not available at the high school level, she considers herself fortunate to have competed collegiately — a testament to both her perseverance and talent. The continual support and encouragement of her parents to succeed academically in college and in sports, was also instrumental in her success.

Though her teaching journey counted many milestones, Ms. Runestad's athletic achievements are equally notable; she was named the national Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the Amateur Softball Association in 1978 playing for the St. Charles Lassies, and earned two-time basketball MVP honors during her time at George Williams College.

Born in Joliet, Illinois, Ms. Runestad has resided in Aurora for four decades and now spends her winters in Tucson, Arizona. Also an avid golfer, she regularly pursues the sport with enthusiasm and plans to further embrace this passion moving forward. Beyond sports, she enjoys gardening and working in her yard and prioritizes maintaining an active lifestyle, consistently embodying the athletic and personal principles she instilled in generations of students throughout her career.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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