Section XI representatives Bayla Goldberg & Charlie Carter have been asked to serve on the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Student Athlete Advisory Council.
The student-Athlete Advisory Committee was developed to give student-athletes a voice within NYSPHSAA. Over the course of the school year, the committee will discuss topics relevant to high school student-athletes and develop ways to maintain a positive athletic experience.
Each committee member is expected to exemplify leadership while providing feedback on NYSPHSAA special programs, including, but not limited to, Scholar-Athlete, Sportsmanship, Life of an Athlete, Student Leadership, and Community Service. Two student-athletes from each of the 11 sections are selected each year and serve a one-year term. Juniors have the option to serve a two-year term.
Goldberg is a senior at Smithtown High School East and participates on the gymnastics team. Active in Student Council, National Honor Society, and Relay for Life, she has represented Section XI at the NYSPHSAA Student Leadership Conference. Section XI said of her that she is "Passionate about advocacy and inclusion, she is excited to use her voice on SAAC to support student-athletes and strengthen the athletic community across New York."
Carter is a junior at Mattituck and is a three-sport athlete who plays on the boys' soccer, boys' basketball, and boys lacrosse teams, and serves as Class President. He founded the “Play It Forward” initiative, bringing student-athletes together for community service, and has represented Section XI at the NYSPHSAA Student Leadership Conference. Excited to join SAAC, he hopes to give back to athletics and ensure every student-athlete feels included and supported.