Northeast athletics club receives county equity award
Students at Northeast High School were awarded this month an Equity in Action Award, highlighting their work giving back to the community.
The Anne Arundel County Board of Education presented the award to Northeast’s athletic leadership committee, The Captains Club, at its Feb. 21 meeting.
Since November, the board has given out a monthly award to a student or group of students who work to identify or eliminate inequities in their school and home communities. Past winners have included students like Annapolis High School senior Akil Leggett Jr.
The Captain’s Club, led by Northeast teacher and dean of students, Jesse Reiger, has been a part of many initiatives. The club recently contributed more than $250 in baby diapers and wipes to the local food pantry Caring Cupboard, providing essential support to families in need. Additionally, they created a public awareness campaign emphasizing community support in navigating mental health and addiction challenges.
“It’s 100% student-driven, our kids are rock stars,” Reiger said in an interview. “They go above and beyond for Pasadena and for Northeast.
Anything that pops up where [Northeast Principal Jason] Williams is looking for student involvement, we’re one of the first groups that is reached out to.”
The group also sponsors a Hold a Door event, which encourages kindness and mutual respect. Members also maintain a practice of writing kind notes to teachers and students, which promotes inclusivity and appreciation and contributes to a supportive atmosphere.
“The Captain’s Club is a vibrant collection of dedicated young athletes who stand out for their commitment to positive change through impactful fundraising and philanthropy,” said school board Vice President Corine Frank, who represents Pasadena, where Northeast is located. “The athletes embodying a spirit of service have collectively volunteered over 100 hours advocating for wellness and mental health.”
To help enhance their school’s physical environment and create a welcoming space for everyone, the club power washes the school’s facade. Also, its sporting events not only help build a positive community but also raise awareness about cancer, aligning with the club’s commitment to social responsibility. Additionally, members serve as mentors, specifically focused on Teen Mental Health First Aid. This demonstrates a commitment to supporting holistic well-being by providing educational resources and mentorship.
“The club is involved with read-aloud sessions at local elementary schools, which fosters literacy and a love for learning for young students which is amazing,” said Frank.
There are 33 students in North East High School’s Captain’s Club along with five teacher advisers: Jesse Reiger, Melissa Leaf, Josh Alcombright, Kevin Franc and Kenneth Miller.
The Captain’s Club Cabinet includes Jack Schreiber, president; Mackenzie Weiland, president; Aleigha Dubroc, vice president; and Rodney Sterry, vice president.
Members
include
Cameron Albury, Brady Blackmer, Brenner Bookhamer, Bryson Bradley, Damien Bruce, Madison Burris, Chase Buttry, Taylor Castle, Kayleigh Fyffe, Katelyn Glerum, Cecilla Hartford, Sophia Hodges, Brynn Jones, Mallory Jones, Teigan Kelly-Turner, Joseph Lawrence, Madison LeMay, Braden Lustig, Declan McClure, Jake Mierzeski, Roahn Moore, Anthony Mrozek, Dakota Patton, Madelyn Raynes, Logan Sellers, Titus Simenoa, Samuel Tetteh, Kyle Townsend, Iris Whiteman.