The Champion Lancers program promotes students who lead a healthy lifestyle and act as role models for the community. Selected seniors visit nine elementary schools to motivate students to excel and set goals.

The program originally started in San Marcos and was brought here this year.

“It is an incredible program for incredible students which we have here,” Principal Dr. Matt Steitz.

Any senior qualifies who has a good standing with a 2.5 GPA or higher, are involved in extra curricular activities and lead a substance free lifestyle. In addition, Champion Lancers must have a little something more than the average student.

“It’s not just sports, any connection to school. As I always say, bleed purple,” Steitz said.

Due to the program coming here for the first time, the Champions were selected quickly. Administration cast a net asking various teachers for input on potential choices.  The teachers asked students to apply, and then the community selected the final group.

Although there are many outstanding students, leadership chose eight students this year for the program: Tilly Rudolph, Justin Feinman, Nick la Bounty, Megan Benner, Tori Nirschl, Saul Paleo, Michelle Yasukochi and Thomas Eshelman.

The groups will introduce the program at each school and presentations will also include a question and answer session. Each Champion will be given 2,500 trading cards of themselves to hand out and autograph during presentations.

“The kids begin to look up to them as role models. You hear kids saying, ‘When I grow up I want to be just like her,’” Steitz said.

The Champions will also help with next year’s selection and will be attending events throughout the year to represent the program.

From balancing sports and school to ignoring peer pressure, these lancers are being recognized for their years of hard work. Champion Lancers not only represent the school but the community as well.

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