Star Athlete: Yorktown Student Raises Money For Special Olympics

ARLINGTON, VA — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from John White, who nominated Allison of Arlington. Allison, a crew and swim team member, has personally raised $69,000 for Special Olympics Virginia athletes through the annual Polar Plunge.

Star student athlete’s name

Allison

Star student athlete’s home state

Virginia

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Arlington

How do you know the star student athlete?

Father

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Crew & Swim

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

As a sophomore at Yorktown High School, Allison competes on the school’s swim and crew team. She also swims on the Holy Mackerel summer swim team and the TBC summer/fall crew team.

In addition to sports, she is also co-chair of the communications team on the Arlington County/APS’s Teen Network Board. TNB is a county/school board appointed group of teenagers who are tasked with advocating for teenagers in the county.

But Allison’s greatest achievement so far has been here fundraising prowess on behalf of Virginians with intellectual disabilities. In six years, she has personally raised $69,000 for Special Olympics Virginia athletes through the annual Polar Plunge. Through the backing and full support of the Arlington Knights of Columbus, she has led a team of friends — also Arlington residents — raise $111,000 combined for Special Olympics.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

That she and her friends are typical teenagers who want to have fun, help others wherever they can, and be positive role models for the younger children in the neighborhood.

Keep up the great work, Allison!

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