The workshop will discuss what it takes to be a successful student-athlete today. Athletes will learn about effectively balancing their role as a leader on and off the field, while parents and coaches can learn how to support them. In this powerful, one-hour program Ed Gerety will address the issues that relate directly to student athletes including: respect, responsibility, leading by example, attitude, setting and achieving goals and being a positive role model today. Everyone will be sure to learn valuable lessons in being, coaching, and supporting athletes that are successful on and off the field.

For those athletes too young to sit for the presentation, the Essex High School Athletic Leadership Council will be hosting Athletes Afoot!, an open gym event for kindergarten through sixth grade students in the gymnasium. The free event will feature basketball, volleyball, the climbing wall, ping-pong, board games, and craft activities. Participants will have free reign to play in the gym and hang out with EHS varsity leaders and athletes. The PYSA is promoting the opportunity as an option for parents with young children to attend the panel in the auditorium, while their children get to play in the gym.

The PYSA was formed in November 2007, with the mission of “promoting a positive sports experience that will teach lifelong lessons through personal growth and healthy competition.” The Alliance is comprised of fourteen local community and school based sports organizations, which include: ADL, EMS, EHS, Essex Junction Recreation and Parks, Essex Parks and Recreation, Essex Junction Little League, Essex Town Little League and Softball, Essex Youth Lacrosse, Essex Youth Hockey Association, Essex Mini Metro Basketball, the Learning Pool, Swim! at The Essex, Essex Youth Football League, and Essex United Soccer Club.

No pre-registration is required for either event. For questions or further information, please call 878-1375, or visit www.pysaessex.org.