Lesley Barker Named March Student Athlete of the Month

Lesley Barker, a senior on the Track and Field team at Portland High School, has been chosen as the winner of the J-Dubbs Signature Subs/Portland Beacon Student Athlete of the Month award for April.

In his nomination of Barker, PHS Track Coach John Novara said, “Currently ranked first in the Region for Long Jump with a personal best 16'7", Lesley is a three-time state qualifier in both the 100m dash and Long Jump. She is a two-time Champ of the Lansing Area Honor Roll, which is the best track athletes in the entire Lansing area (all classes). Lesley typically gets 4 first places in most meets that she participates in 100m dash, 200m dash, Long Jump, and 4 x100 meter relay.”

Lesley is the daughter of Chad and Lisa Barker, and was a member of the Raider basketball and volleyball teams. She is also a member of the PHS National Honor Society and Captain’s Club.

After high school, Lesley plans to attend Grand Valley State University to study psychology.

To be nominated, a student athlete must attend either Portland High School or St. Patrick School, and be a member of a varsity sports program or school-sponsored athletic club at his/her school. Nominations may be made by a member of their high school coaching staff, athletic director, principal, or a school recognized student government organization at his/her school. Nominations are also accepted from The Portland Beacon contributing writers.

The monthly winner is selected by a three-person panel consisting of myself and Portland Beacon contributors Robert Lathers and Benjamin Rex Cross.

Other talented local athletes receiving nominations for April were:

Annie Gunderman – St. Patrick School Track

Nominated by Dawn Fedewa, St. Patrick’s Track Coach. Fedewa said, “Annie is a senior on the St. Patrick Varsity girls track team. At the Webberville Invitational on April 26, Annie won the 200M and 400M, and anchored the winning co-ed 4x400 and co-ed 4x800, earning her the honor of Running Athlete of the Meet for the small school division. Her four first place finishes helped lead the team to the their first team ever team title at the Invitational.”

Summer Russman – St. Patrick School Softball

Nominated by Jocelyn Rockey, St. Patrick’s Softball Coach. Rockey said, “She is our only senior and leads both on and off the field! Summer plays many positions but excels at pitching and the outfield. She constantly has a positive attitude and leads by example in her work ethic!

This award is sponsored by: