BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Keira Tolmie was one of eight chosen to be on the Michigan High School Athletic Association Student Advisory Council.
“Being selected for this prestigious leadership committee is a real honor for me,” said Tolmie, a sophomore at Clarkston High School who will be on the council starting with the 2021-22 school year.
“MHSAA SAC members are a select group of student athletes that aspire to be leaders in their schools and community. I truly believe the values that come from sports and competition assist in the development of true servant leaders. Values that come from experiences such as handling tough times, working with others, dealing with pressure, committing to a common goal and not seeking individual praise over team success.”

“Keira is definitely the right candidate for it,” said Clarkston Athletics Director Jeff Kosin. “She is a fantastic kid. Her resume speaks for itself.”
The first Student Advisory Council was formed for the 2006-07 school year and this is the first time someone from Clarkston High School was selected to be on the council.
“It’s a big deal for us,” Kosin said.
Tolmie, who plays on the girls varsity basketball and varsity softball teams, added she wanted to represent and protect values on the Student Advisory Council.
“They are of most importance in our development and the true role of school sports,” Tolmie said. “I have seen first hand with my sister, Abbey, and her closest friends the lessons learned from high school athletics pay dividends for student-athletes who become leaders in college and beyond.”
Tolmie added she is excited to represent Clarkston on the committee.
“Ever since making it through the application and interview process, I’ve received an overwhelming amount of love and encouragement from our school leadership,” Tolmie said. “This is just one example of how Clarkston supports their own and stands together no matter what the cause is. I am looking forward to bringing the issues identified by the SAC back to school and connecting directly with my fellow student athletes and Mr. Kosin. I promise to ensure I can be a voice for Clarkston High School while addressing the topics that are handled by the SAC. While extremely proud of my Canadian heritage, Clarkston is home and I am so grateful for this opportunity. I promise to work extra hard to represent the needs of our student athlete community in this role.”
Eight student-athletes from the Class of 2023 were selected for two-year terms to be part of the 16-member group. The Student Advisory Council meets seven times each school year, and once more for a 24-hour leadership camp.
In addition to assisting in the promotion of the educational value of interscholastic athletics, the Council discusses issues dealing with the 4 S’s of educational athletics: scholarship, sportsmanship, safety (including health and nutrition) and the sensible scope of athletic programs. There also is a fifth S discussed by the group – student leadership.
To be eligible for the committee, candidates needed to be a member of the Class of 2023;completed the official application including answering the three short-answer questions; submit a letter of recommendation from a school administrator, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and be available for all scheduled meetings.
Also, candidates needed to show a history of leadership on athletic teams as well as with other extracurricular activities, community service projects, or in the workplace; and show an understanding of the role of school sports and have ideas for promoting a proper perspective for educational athletics.
“I feel that sport has been a common thread to bring a sense of normalcy and hope, while focusing on something other than the virus. I am excited to bring the perspective athletics is so much more than the game itself.”