There was a strong sense of Warrior pride as the district celebrated its female athletes and coaches during a special ceremony on March 22.
The inaugural Warriors Girls and Women in Sports Day was held in the Amityville Memorial High School cafeteria to coincide with Women’s History Month. All varsity and junior varsity athletes from the three sports seasons were invited to attend, along with their coaches. The program featured guest speakers, dinner and a photo station, and each athlete received an “I am a Warrior” T-shirt.
“This is just a wonderful way for us to honor all of the female athletes and coaches we have in our district and to show them our appreciation,” said Evan Farkas, director of athletics, physical education and health.
Coach Margot Howard opened the program by speaking about Women’s History Month and noting ways that opportunities have expanded for Amityville’s female athletes, including the introduction of a competitive cheer team and girls lacrosse program.
Board of Education Second Vice President Laura Pawlewicz and trustee Allie McDonough, who were both Amityville athletes, helped coordinate the event. Ms. Pawlewicz, a four-year varsity soccer player, said they wanted to show the present-day female athletes just how much support they have from their community. She noted that the Amityville Parent Teacher Council and several local businesses helped make the event possible with generous contributions.
Ms. McDonough said playing soccer and softball were among the best memories of her life. She told all of the girls that there are numerous opportunities for them to continue their athletic pursuits after high school.
Superintendent Dr. Mary T. Kelly, a volleyball, basketball and softball player in high school, said that Amityville’s female athletes are wonderful competitors who have had great successes in their sports, in addition to demonstrating great sportsmanship, remaining committed to their academics and carrying themselves with pride.
The keynote speaker was girls varsity basketball coach Cherese Hinckson. She graduated from Amityville Memorial High School in 1997, and played soccer and basketball. Ms. Hinckson shared stories from her playing days and explained how that gave her a sense of determination. If she had just given up when times got tough, she said she never would have made the second All-Long Island team in basketball, received a college scholarship of been inducted into Amityville’s Sports Hall of Fame. She reminded today’s athletes that they should never let temporary bad moments stand in the way of greatness.
The athletes participated in an interactive game to get to know each other better by having to find 25 people who met certain descriptions, such as someone who plays multiple sports, is a team captain, plans to play in college or has won a national championship.