Gold!

Lakeside High School’s Principal, Mr. Mark St.Clair, read off an Olympic Gold Medalist's many swimming accomplishments to the student body at the Homecoming Assembly at which she was honored.

One of Lakeside High School's students returned from the Special Olympics in China a Gold Medalist! She earned her Gold Medal in the 200 meter Freestyle swimming race. In addition, she earned two more medals: Silver for the 4/100 Relay and Fifth in the 100 meter Freestyle. She was honored by the Lakeside High School student body at their Homecoming assembly at which she received a standing ovation from her schoolmates.

Our student competed in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China, October 2 - 11, 2007. She was the sole female swimmer from the State of Washington to compete in these games. “Special Olympics is more than just an athletic event,” commented her teacher Mrs. Michelle James. “It is also an inspirational event where people come together to support and cheer on the people with special needs in our communities. Many athletes rise to the challenge and as they do, they become unstoppable.”

“Unstoppable” does describe Mrs. James' student. Just six short months after she first joined a swim team, she was competing in a Regional meet where she earned Gold. She continued to win Gold medals and earned berths to more advanced meets. Last July, she traveled to Nashville and won the 200 meter freestyle, a race she only had swum one time before! With this Gold, she earned the opportunity to compete on Team USA in China. She trained diligently, swimming three miles a day over the summer. This paid off, as she has shaved off one minute from her qualifying time last July.

Part of the whole philosophy of the Lifeskills class at Lakeside High School is to teach the students independence. The Special Olympics complements this by helping to increase self-confidence, social skills, and physical/motor skills. This leads to student athletes who have better success in leading more productive and independent lives. This Olympic Gold Medalist embodies this independence, showing much confidence as well as athletic abilities.

Congratulations!