Eleven Hamilton High School senior student-athletes had the opportunity to learn, serve and connect with their peers from across the OK Black Conference during the annual OK Black Student-Athlete Sportsmanship and Leadership Summit on Wednesday, September 23, at Evergreen Ministries in Hudsonville.
The summit brought together 70+ seniors representing the seven schools in the OK Black Conference with three primary goals: building community among student-athletes, discussing issues and challenges they face and developing leadership skills they can take back to their teams and schools.
Hamilton Athletic Director Eric Talsma was among the athletic directors who helped organize and lead the event. Talsma also led a breakout session centered on what it means to be a senior leader.
Students discussed how leaders respond during moments of adversity and the different forms leadership can take. While some leaders are vocal and comfortable using their voice, others can make just as significant an impact by remaining steady, setting an example and doing the right things consistently.
The day also featured a keynote presentation from OK Conference Commissioner Dan Beckeman focused on team building and becoming a leader, as well as a presentation from St. Joseph Athletic Director Kevin Guzzo. Students also participated in breakout sessions, connected with student-athletes from other schools and were challenged to take what they learned back to their own teams, schools and communities.
Hamilton senior Korrayah Kapenga, a member of the sideline cheer team, served as a spokesperson for the Hawkeyes during the event.
“I feel like I get to learn from the other athletes and the things they say about their sports, as well as reflect on how I am as a teammate and how to become a better leader overall,” Kapenga said.
Leadership wasn't limited to conversations inside Evergreen Ministries. The student-athletes spent nearly two hours serving at Hand2Hand, Sus Manos Gleaners and Love Your Neighbor in the Hudsonville and Jenison area.
“We are given so much through our school, and yet we get to see and witness there’s struggle in our own communities,” Kapenga said. “We get to help out with that, and that’s a super cool opportunity.”
One of the messages that stuck with Kapenga was the idea that building a legacy begins with what someone chooses to do today.
“You can’t change what happened in the past,” Guzzo said during his keynote speech. “You can’t go back 20 years ago and plant a tree. You need to do it right here and right now.”
For the Hawkeyes, the summit provided an opportunity to step outside their individual sports and consider the influence they have as seniors throughout Hamilton High School.
Hamilton's student-athletes attending the summit included Brooke Petroelje (volleyball), Emma Slotman (golf), Korrayah Kapenga (sideline cheer), Christin Rithamel (sideline cheer), Paige Kleinheksel (swim), Jayden Bierschbach (soccer), Colin Vork (football), Collin Schippa (basketball and golf), Brett Schrotenboer (basketball), Andrew Plockmeyer (basketball and baseball) and Reece Nykamp (football).
The summit challenged the seniors to recognize that leadership doesn't look the same for everyone — but every student has an opportunity to positively influence their teammates, school and community. Way to go, Hawkeyes!