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Students and parents press board to make lacrosse a district sport; cooperative program proposed with OESJ
Summary
Students, parents and Athletic Director Megan Merchant urged St. Johns Public Schools to support a cooperative lacrosse program with Ovid-Elsie Area Schools; speakers cited benefits for students and challenges including unpaid coaches, travel and family costs.
Megan Merchant, Athletic/Activities Director, and an Ovid-Elsie Area Schools representative presented a cooperative lacrosse proposal intended to expand opportunities by combining resources between OESJ and St. Johns Public Schools. The proposal covered student participation, program structure, financial considerations, transportation, coaching and MHSAA cooperative program requirements.
During public comment, multiple SJPS students who also play for the OESJ lacrosse team—Isabelle McKee, Owen Denovich, Bryce Foster and graduate Ava Casler—asked the board to support making lacrosse a fully district-sponsored sport. Speakers described lacrosse s positively affecting personal development and noted program challenges such as unpaid coaches, long travel and financial burdens on families.
Vice President Jessica Parker-Sternburgh, Treasurer Nelson and other board members thanked students for their advocacy; the board discussed the proposal and asked administrators to continue work on logistics and sustainability.
