Lauren Veltre Honored as Outstanding Female Athlete
Submitted by Gus Kalikas
On February 3, 2021, Lauren Veltre, of Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, N.J., joined together with over 140 female student-athletes from New Jersey’s high schools, colleges, and universities for a virtual celebration for National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NAGWS). NAGWS is one of the largest events in the state that recognizes women’s athletics. Lauren was nominated by her coaches for her accomplishments as an outstanding high school female athlete in the sport of soccer.
Title IX was passed in 1972 with the result of increased opportunities for women and girls in athletics as well as many other arenas. Since Title IX, the number of female student athletes has greatly increased. In past years, the number of females participating in NJ high schools was well over 120,000 and back in 1982, the NJSIAA number was 57,789. The number has increased threefold and continues to grow each year.
NAGWS is recognized in all 50 states to honor the success of female athletes and recognize the struggle for equality for women in sports. The Outstanding Athlete Awards were presented to one individual from each high school, junior college, and college in attendance.
Photo by Clark Public Schools
