Lauren Salley

This week’s Student Feature Friday is senior Lauren Salley who is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the athletic field. Lauren is a very strong athlete, participating on Indoor Track, Lacrosse and Cross-Country where she is a co-captain. She has been nominated as a Tri-Valley All Star during her sophomore, junior and senior years of high school. Lauren recently attended the MIAA Sportsmanship Summit where she represented HHS to learn more about leadership, the importance of teamwork, and how to be a role model to others.

Lauren already excels in these areas and is a shining example of what it means to care for others. As Co-President of NHS she takes the pillars of Character, Scholarship, Leadership and Service to heart and is always looking for ways to improve the lives of her classmates and those of her community. Whether it is running a youth lacrosse clinic for middle school students, participating in the Metrowest Youth in Philanthropy program, helping to organize the HHS Non-Profit Fair, or creating a prom dress event to reduce the cost for other girls, she is always looking for ways to give back. When asked about which of her past and current experiences have affected her outlook on life, one of the experiences she discussed was her current work at the Residence at Valley Farm where she works as a waitress. Working with elders has given her “a new appreciation and different outlook on the experiences of others.” Lauren wants to make the world a better place through helping others and there is no doubt that she is already on her way.

Q: During our conversation you spoke about your love of all sports and your participation in cross-country, indoor track and lacrosse. Can you expand a little on your feelings about the individual and team aspects of the sports and why that matters so much to you?

A: Cross country and track are both sports that put such an emphasis on the individual, and what each person’s fastest time is, but what most people don’t see is how both of those sports are really team sports too. You can’t win a race by yourself, it is impossible because the top 5 runners count toward your team’s overall score, so it is so important that not only the fastest runner has a great race but for the next four girls that follow her, as well as the rest of the team. Training with the girls on the team makes getting through the toughest workouts much more enjoyable! As runners, being talented is great but in my experience, its having the support from your teammates that is so important to your success! And of course lacrosse is one of the most team oriented sports out there in my opinion. As a midfielder, I play on the offensive and defensive aspects of the game and communication among everyone is so critical to the team’s success! Working together is the only way to win and it makes the journey to winning so much better when you are among teammates and not alone.

Q: You have taken on a leadership role in many of the activities you are engaged in at HHS and in the community. What is it about being in a leadership role that you find meaningful? Why do you gravitate towards these roles?

A: I am a person who likes helping others, and when I’m involved in something I’m all in and give it all I have. So for me being a leader is something I gravitate to. I always want to make a lasting impression on everything I do. Being a leader allows me to voice my opinions and enact change when I see fit. As a leader on the sports field (and course and track), as well as in the building through clubs, I have learned the importance of hearing others and different ways I can be a role model for others to look up to.

Q: What was the motivation for you behind creating the Prom Dress Event on January 12th? What do you hope to accomplish with the event?

A: The motivation behind creating the Prom Dress Event was, one, to help girls in Holliston attending prom have the opportunity to save money because it can be quite expensive. In addition, hopefully this event will help eliminate some of the stress in texting several different girls around town to ask to try on their dress and borrow it. This event allows for all the dresses to be in one spot for girls to come to, look at the dresses and hopefully find their dress. My hopes for this event is to have as many girls as possible to walk out with a dress that fits them that doesn’t cost a fortune!

Q: Where does your passion for helping others come from and what advice would you have for others if they have yet to find their passion?

A: My passion to help others was ignited on my first mission trip to Mississippi. After that trip volunteering and service had a whole new meaning to me. I feel blessed to have the family, friends, education, and home I do and I feel a responsibility to help others and give back in any ways I can. My advice to others who have yet to find their passion is to keep an open mind and try lots of new things. Each day brings new opportunities and to find your passion it is crucial to capitalize on those opportunities and to not be closed off to new things.