OLD LYME—UPDATED 10/10 WITH COMMENTS FROM LOL SCHOOLS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. On Monday, Oct. 7, Lyme-Old Lyme High School (LOLHS) will be recognized as a recipient of the 2023-24 Michaels Jewelers Achievement Cup Award during the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference’s (CIAC) 18th Annual Sportsmanship Conference.
Announcing the award in a press release, the (CIAC) explains, “Schools that are part of the CIAC’s Class Act program can be considered for the Michaels Jewelers Achievement Cup Award.”
The announcement continues, “The Michaels Jewelers Cup Committee recognized these exemplary athletics programs for their willingness to subscribe to the Class Act Sportsmanship standards, empowering students to take an active role in their school climate, and their continued support for community service. These schools have made sportsmanship a priority in their district.”
We asked Hildie Heck, who serves as Athletic Director of Lyme-Old Lyme Schools, how she was feeling after the award was announced. She replied in an email saying, “In my opinion, the Michael’s Cup award is a testament to the incredible culture we’ve cultivated at LOLHS. This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, who have consistently demonstrated excellence both on the field/court and in the classroom.
She continued, “The coaches also deserve credit for setting high standards and creating a positive, supportive atmosphere that empowers our students to thrive. And of course, we must recognize the support of our parents, who support the initiative and programs.”
Heck concluded, “Ultimately, I believe this award speaks to the collaborative effort of our entire school community. By working together and giving our students a voice, we’ve been able to foster an environment where they can truly excel as athletes and leaders. It’s an honor to be recognized for six consecutive years, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our programs.”
Asked his reaction to the award by LymeLine, Lyme-Old Lyme Superintendent of Schools Ian Neviaser responded by email saying, “We are so proud of the continued recognition of our student athletes, our coaches, and our athletic department as they demonstrate the utmost commitment to sportsmanship across all of our programs.”
He continued, “This honor embodies the values we strive to impart to all participants and hope to continue this success for many more years.”
Twenty eight schools in the state have been recognized with the Michaels Cup honor this year. Lyme-Old Lyme High School is receiving the honor for a remarkable sixth consecutive year.
The other schools earning the award are Academy of Aerospace & Engineering, Academy of Computer Science & Engineering, Academy of International Studies, Academy of Science & Innovation, Amity Regional High School, Bethel High School, Bloomfield High School, Brookfield High School, Canton High School, Cheshire High School, Danbury High School, Daniel Hand High School, Derby High School, East Catholic High School, Joel Barlow High School, Killingly High School, Ledyard High School, New Fairfield High School, New Milford High School, Newtown High School, Norwalk High School, Simsbury High School, St. Paul Catholic High School, Stamford High School, Valley Regional High School, Westbrook High School, and Weston High School.
So proud of our kids and their coaches! They’re practicing the best rule of sportsmanship: it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. (And they’re winning, too!)