Rocky Heights: Empowering Women in Sports
Submitted by Kaeli Nallathamby, student writer; photo courtesy of Julien Bouquet
Pictured left: RHMS student athletes honored at the annual Girls and Women in Sports Day luncheon: Libby Emery, Betsy Van Auken, Katie Dupper, Chloe Bishop, Jenna Patterson, Madilyn Proctor and Meagan Carley.
Some of the top female athletes from Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) were invited to the Girls and Women in Sports Day luncheon at Cherry Hills Community Church. This is a national event that recognizes young women with athletic achievements. In Douglas County, the selection was based on athletic participation, good work habits and positive sporting attitudes. All schools recognized seven middle school and five high school students respectively.
The following RHMS students were invited to be honored at the event: Libby Emery (CP), Betsy Van Auken (CP), Katie Dupper (CP), Chloe Bishop, Jenna Patterson (CP), Madilyn Proctor and Meagan Carley. Each athlete was honored by having something read about them while their picture appeared on the presentation screen. The girls also had the opportunity to hear Master of Ceremonies Arielle Orsuto from 9News, share stories from her own sports career.
Basketball player Emery said, “I felt so honored and surprised, honestly, when I was selected. It was almost unreal, and it was fun to get to be a part of it along with a lot of amazing girls.” Emery continued, “I learned that even if you think nobody’s watching, work hard and chances are somebody was watching all along.”
Dupper, a cross country and track runner said, “I was happy to be invited … I was proud of myself because I started running competitively only a year and a half ago.” She continued, “It showed how hard work can pay off.”
Although she was not able to attend the event, softball, volleyball and golf player Patterson said, “I enjoy playing volleyball for the school … because of my coach Ms. Taylor; she is a very big mentor in my life and helps me a lot.”
Girls and Women in Sports Day inspires girls everywhere to follow their hearts, accept new challenges and encourages them to play their best. Author Ray Bradbury once said, “Do what you love and love what you do.” The female student athletes who were honored at the luncheon live by this quote every day.
