Lakewood High School offers students endless opportunities through its academic, arts, music, and athletic programs. But the chance to get involved in activities starts even earlier through the Lakewood Recreation Department.
The Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) ensures the Recreation Department programs are introduced to students of all ages. They make “Ranger Recruitment Tours” to all Lakewood elementary schools. Athletic Director Rob Slone, who heads SALT, coordinates the tours, where the group speaks to students during all lunch periods to reach every grade level.
Each SALT member introduces themselves, how they are involved in the High School and how they were able to get involved at a young age. Then they play a little trivia game with the students. Slone asks questions about each presenter, and the elementary students try to answer. If they answer correctly, the Elementary students get to choose a prize, such as a Lakewood shirt, a bouncy ball with a positive message or a bracelet. This interactive segment allows the younger students to speak directly with the “big kids,” which presenters say is the students’ favorite part.
Jackson Comer, the chairperson of the tours, said, “I think it would have been really exciting to see high school students and would’ve made me look forward to getting involved.” One of the many reasons the SALT members go on these tours is because they know firsthand how much it would have impacted and motivated them.
The core mission of SALT is to make a difference in the community. As Slone always says, “Be part of the solution,” a phrase even printed on the back of the group’s long-sleeve shirts. For the high schoolers, this means promoting a positive outlook on trying new things.
Slone said, “It’s important to talk to the kids about how they can try things, and it doesn’t matter if it sticks because you can keep trying until you find what you love.” TThis message is important because young athletes can feel trapped in a sport they don’t like or be scarred by a bad sports experience. By sharing their personal stories of trying, failing, and ultimately succeeding, the SALT members offer essential encouragement.
Board Member Gaby Carroll-Greeves has been a SALT member for two years. “Being a part of this group is just rewarding. To give back to the community, to have a sense of leadership, and also gives you so much pride in your school and the sport you play.” She said, emphasizing how she loves seeing the impact of her actions on the youth.
Comer shares a similar sentiment. “My favorite part is connecting with younger students and seeing their enthusiasm about sports, like what I felt at their age,” he said.
All of these high school students want to give back to the program that helped them become who they are. While the trips may include a delicious meal, the students agree that the primary reward is the feeling of helping others. They give their all in every event that they put on or attend, and all they want is to “be a part of the solution.” They expect nothing in return other than the reward that they feel in helping others.
