by Grace LeBarron, Sr. Communications Intern, Gateway Regional
Gateway junior Ava Auclair plays Varsity soccer for Gateway Regional High School. She was selected to serve on the MIAA Student Advisory Committee this year. (Photo submitted)
HUNTINGTON – “It’s great to be introduced to kids that have the same goals and motivation as myself. We can all bring our ideas together to work towards the common goal of making a difference,” said Ava Auclair who was recently selected by the MIAA to serve on their Student Advisory Committee.
The MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) is a not-for-profit organization that sponsors activities in public and private schools in Massachusetts. The MIAA is a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), which writes the rules for most U.S. high school sports and activities.
Auclair, a junior at Gateway Regional High School, attended the New England Leadership Conference at Worcester State College over the summer. As a student athlete, Ava saw it as an opportunity to further develop her leadership abilities. From there she was presented with the opportunity to apply to have a place on the MIAA Student Advisory Committee. The MIAA selects around 20 high school student athletes to serve on the committee and participate in a variety of leadership, sportsmanship, wellness, and community service programs. She described what they do as participating in activities “to further develop our leadership skills and discuss ways that we can better our own communities. In community service projects to give back to our communities or being a good role model for our teammates and peers.”
Auclair is also a member of the Gateway Varsity Girls Soccer Team (where she is also Co-Captain) and Varsity Softball Team.
Athletic Director Matthew Bonenfant was pleased by the selection. “It just shows the type of kids we produce when one of the smallest public high schools in the state can have a student selected to represent athletes from across the state,” Bonenfant said. “Hopefully others are inspired and will want to follow in her footsteps.”
Students on the committee have an opportunity to give feedback to improve the Educational Athletic offerings of the MIAA. Ava is excited to represent Gateway Regional High School and “make a positive difference” in her community.
