Hi! My name is Marisa Cofone, and I’m excited to represent and support the Hopkinton Music Association (HMA) in the 2026 Boston Marathon. The HMA is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization that promotes, supports, and advocates for exceptional music education for all students in the Hopkinton Public Schools. I spent the first 16 years of my life in Hopkinton, including four years in the Hopkinton music program, where I played the flute. This program shaped me in countless ways, and I’m honored to give back to the community that helped inspire my love for music.

    Your donations will directly support Hopkinton Public School music students by providing formal concert wear, scholarships for lessons (grades 6–12), scholarships for graduating seniors, professional-led clinics, musical enrichment trips such as visits to the symphony, and the repair or purchase of school-owned instruments.

    I am incredibly grateful for the music education I received through the program. Learning to play an instrument and study music gave me an appreciation for the arts that I still carry with me today. Mr. Hay, along with my other teachers, instilled in me a strong sense of musicality, which I carried into my years of dance classes in high school and even use now in my SoulCycle classes! Along with teaching students how to play an instrument, the program also instills valuable life lessons like independent growth, teamwork, and commitment. Your support allows more students to access and benefit from this program.

    My older sister, Sophia, went through the Hopkinton Music Program from 5th grade through her senior year of high school. Through hard work and dedication, she earned the opportunity to perform in the concert band, pit band, and jazz band. She continued playing saxophone in college, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see a passion flourish beyond Hopkinton.

    Growing up in Hopkinton, Marathon Monday was always an inspiring time, from hearing the professional athletes speak at my elementary school to watching my neighbors run year after year. I always knew I wanted to be part of it one day. Now that I live in Boston, I no longer head to the start line on Patriots’ Day, but instead go to the finish line, where I’ve cheered on runners over the years. I’m honored to be running the 2026 Boston Marathon this year, and even more proud to cross the finish line supporting an organization that has had such an important impact on my life.