Winchester School Board hears advocates urge to retain Hanley Lacrosse program name

The Winchester Public School Board meeting on June 24, 2025, highlighted the significant impact of the Hanley Lacrosse program on students' lives, as multiple speakers passionately advocated for its continued recognition and support.

Maggie, a representative from the school district, opened the meeting by celebrating recent accolades, including an Award of Excellence and an Award of Merit for the district's annual report, which showcased key programs and achievements. This recognition set a positive tone for the evening, emphasizing the district's commitment to excellence.

As the public comment segment began, several students and community members took to the podium to express their support for the Hanley Lacrosse program. Hudson Phillips, a rising junior, shared how lacrosse helped him forge friendships and improve his academic performance, attributing his success to the structure and support of the team. He warned that removing the Hanley name from the program could jeopardize future opportunities for students, as it would diminish the program's credibility and competitiveness.

Anthony Manhivar echoed these sentiments, explaining how the recognizable Hanley name drew him to lacrosse, allowing him to build relationships and find a sport he loved. He emphasized the program's self-sufficiency, noting that players fund their own gear and expenses, which minimizes the financial burden on the school.

Beau Summers, another student, described his journey from being a homeschooled eighth grader to a competitive player on the Hanley team, highlighting the strong community and lasting friendships formed through the sport. He stressed that the program not only fosters athletic skills but also builds character and resilience among its participants.

Garrett Watkins, head coach of the Winchester Adder's Girls Lacrosse program, presented a proposal for lacrosse to be officially sanctioned as a school sport. He argued that offering lacrosse would benefit the community by providing opportunities for students who are often cut from other spring sports. Watkins shared personal anecdotes about the life lessons learned through sports, emphasizing the importance of discipline and teamwork.

The meeting concluded with heartfelt testimonials from students like Amelia Cooper, who spoke about how lacrosse has shaped her aspirations and personal growth. She expressed a desire for more students to experience the benefits of the sport, reinforcing the community's commitment to supporting lacrosse.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the vital role that the Hanley Lacrosse program plays in the lives of students, fostering not only athletic skills but also personal development and community engagement. The board's decision on the future of the program will be closely watched, as it holds significant implications for student opportunities in Winchester.