Waterford Board honors two students for leadership and service

The Waterford Board of Education recognized two Waterford High School students during its meeting, highlighting student leadership and community service.

Mr Samuelson introduced Lucy Walker, a junior, and Ja (Jax) Higgins, a senior, and invited their families and advisers to the meeting. Samuelson said Walker founded a Best Buddies club as part of her capstone project to connect students with and without disabilities and organized events including match‑up activities, bake sales and a Valentine’s dance in partnership with another high school. "Lucy Walker is a leader, a changemaker and one of her teachers described her simply a good kid," Samuelson said.

Samuelson described Higgins as a two‑time captain of the varsity football team and a regular peer mentor at Quaker Hill Elementary School. Board members and attendees applauded Higgins’s work mentoring a student outside the school day and noted improvements in that student’s academic performance and behavior.

The recognitions were followed by applause and the meeting moved on to the consent agenda.