CVA's Madelyn Spatto – helping to build fellow leaders

CVA junior Madelyn Spatto is a leader among leaders - literally.

In her regular role as a member of CVA's Athletic Leadership Council, she works to encourage the very best behavior from the school's student athletes. In doing so, the school's athletes become an example for the entire student body.

Earlier this year, Madelyn took another step. At coaches Jane Connors' and Jonna Costin's suggestion, she applied to become one of just four Tri-Valley League representatives to the Section 3 Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Applicants are judged on their involvement in sports and other extracurricular activities, their goals, and their character. She is the first CVA student-athlete accepted to the honor.

SAAC meets multiple times each year via Zoom and one time in-person during the state football finals at the Syracuse Dome. The meeting introduced her to representatives from other leagues. Together, they shared ideas to improve their school culture and learned ways to become better student-athletes. Later, she joined her other TVL reps to create a presentation on mental health awareness and nutrition that they delivered to TVL coaches and athletic directors at the TVL league meeting.

Madelyn also picked up ideas for fundraisers from other schools that she brought back to CVA. She heard about different tournaments, running student buses for all away games, and even sponsoring a color run. She is hoping CVA will add a few to help build school spirit.

Later this spring, she will represent Section 3 at a statewide leadership conference. Student-athletes from all 11 of New York's Sections will gather for an even bigger opportunity to network and learn.

Although these experiences clearly benefit her personally, she recognizes it as something more. She wants to share what she learns with her fellow CVA students, especially about leadership.

"Don't be scared to be a leader," she said. "Growing up, I was scared to stand out. Through SAAC, I met so many amazing people and have learned so much. Don't be afraid to be great."