SOUTHWICK – Both seniors at Southwick Regional School, Alyssa Cournoyer and Makenzie Sullivan are members of the girls’ basketball team.
Every day after school, the two girls are devoting their time to the court, as tryouts are almost finished and the season is just around the corner.
After a successful season last year, going 15-6 and earning a spot in the Western Mass Division III tournament, the upcoming season is exciting for Cournoyer and Sullivan.
When the two girls aren’t on the basketball court, their devotion to their academics and activities is just as exciting as being on the basketball court.
The Vice President of the senior class, Cournoyer is also a member of the Interact Club as well as the Yearbook Club. Sullivan is also in the Yearbook Club along with the National Honors Society.
Alyssa Cournoyer and Makenzie Sullivan are members of the Southwick girls basketball team. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
While they certainly enjoy their time with their academics and outside activities, their latest involvement with the community is something they are quite proud of.
Cournoyer and Sullivan were both recommended by Southwick Regional School Principal Joseph Turmel to be placed on the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board.
“It’s just a great opportunity to meet new people,” said Cournoyer. “We’re really honored.”
Students throughout Hampden County were chosen by their principals to join the board. Meeting with representatives of the District Attorney’s office once or twice a month, students will discuss internet safety which includes things like cyber bullying and online predators.
With the first meeting being in a couple of weeks, Cournoyer and Sullivan will have the chance to present their findings on issues like internet safety to elementary schools. Seven or eight students on the board will go to different elementary schools and rotate from school to school.
The Youth Advisory Board will also be planning to meet with parents of younger kids. They will present the parents with videos of the dangers of drinking and drug abuse.
Being able to connect with younger kids, will allow members like Cournoyer and Sullivan to be role models.
“It’s actually a really great opportunity to represent our community,” said Sullivan. “We’re very thankful, we’re lucky to be there.”
