Under the bright lights of the Cecil County Board meeting, excitement filled the air as the community gathered to celebrate the achievements of local student-athletes during the spring athletic season. Program Coordinator for Interscholastic Athletics, Amy Sexton, took center stage to honor the remarkable accomplishments of athletes from various schools, highlighting a season filled with hard work, dedication, and impressive victories.

This spring, Cecil County saw a surge in athletic participation, with 532 middle school athletes and 900 high school athletes taking part in various sports. The season was marked by significant achievements, including 7 divisional winners, 8 sportsmanship winners, 16 regional champions, and 3 state champions. Among the standout performances were two state champions from Northeast High School in track and field: Lianna Rogers and Haley Dry.

Lianna Rogers, who claimed the title in the 1,600-meter run, not only set a new personal best but also broke her own school record with an impressive time of 5 minutes and 9 seconds. Her accomplishments extend beyond this season, as she is a six-time regional champion and a multiple-time all-county athlete of the year. Rogers will continue her athletic journey at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.

Haley Dry also made headlines by winning the state title in discus with a throw of 126 feet 10 inches, a remarkable feat that surpassed her competitors by a significant margin. Dry, who has consistently excelled in both shot put and discus, will be attending Mount Saint Mary's University, a Division 1 program.

The celebration continued with the recognition of the Rising Sun High School Unified Bocce team, who triumphed as state champions for their division, marking a decade since their last championship win. The team, coached by Taylor Robertshaw and Lisonbee Keller, showcased the spirit of teamwork and perseverance that defines high school athletics.

In addition to individual accolades, the meeting also emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, with awards presented to teams that exemplified this core value. This year marked the 21st anniversary of recognizing sportsmanship in the county, with new plaques to honor the winners displayed in schools across Cecil County.

As the evening unfolded, the community came together to celebrate not just the victories but the values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship that these young athletes embody. The achievements of this spring season serve as a testament to the hard work of students, coaches, and families, leaving a lasting impact on the Cecil County athletic landscape.