Many think high school athletics is merely about scoring the touchdown, running the fastest or shooting the game-winning basket. However, MCPS disregards this cliche by focusing not only on building high-performing athletes but also on building the values their athletes hold. To reinforce their core “R.A.I.S.E” values (respect, academic excellence, spirited/safe competition and equity), MCPS created a task force of student-athletes from various high schools around the county called the Student-Athlete Leadership Council (SALC).
WCHS Athletic Director, Jesse Smith, with the input of WCHS coaches, appointed two stand-out athletes, Laura Jablonover and Jenna Pigot, to join the 2024-2025 council. They are both outstanding athletes in their respective sports, but these students were primarily selected for their leadership skills, along with their athletic talent. In addition to running track, Jablonover founded Project Happy Feet, a national organization aimed towards making sports equipment accessible by donating equipment and shoes to schools in lower-income areas. Pigot plays both field hockey and lacrosse at WCHS and is serving as a field hockey captain for the second year in a row.
“I think it is a great opportunity and I am excited for the experience to help my school enhance the athletics department by bringing suggestions and working with other MCPS students who are athletes just like me,” Jablonover said.
The council meets throughout the year to discuss how to improve MCPS Athletics as a whole, by getting input from students who have first-hand experience of what it is like to be a student-athlete in the county. They share their experiences and opinions and work with each other/adults in MCPS to implement real changes so that students can reap the benefits.
“As a SALC Representative this year, my goal is to help get more funding for female sports teams across the county,” Pigot said. “The improvements that we work to make at the board meetings will help all of WCHS athletes have a better playing experience.”
In addition to helping their schools and the county, as a whole, being a part of the council has helped Jablonover and Pigot forge relationships with other student-athletes, who have a similar level of dedication and drive towards helping others. Bouncing ideas off of other students has helped them expand their perspective and learn to compromise in order to make changes that benefit all student-athletes in MCPS.
“It has been super fun,” Jablonover said “I got to meet so many student-athletes from so many different schools and had a great time sharing new ideas, working together and bringing new ideas like Coach of the Year to help recognize our hardworking coaches at each school. This will benefit not just coaches and staff, but also athletes.”
Increasing funding for female sports and recognizing coaches are just a couple examples of many initiatives that the council is working on. The council has been an active part of the MCPS community since 2019 and is constantly looking for any and all ways to cultivate academic and athletic excellence along with creating healthy team environments. Student-athletes interested in becoming a member of the council in years to come should talk to their coaches and Mr. Smith to get more details.
“I would say have a good relationship with your coach, and show that you are putting yourself out there and are different so you stand out,” Jablonover said. “I come to practice every day and work hard and my coach recognizes that, so I am super grateful for the opportunity I was given and hope I can help make an impact in my community.”
