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WILKES WON’T STOP

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GIRARD, Ohio – In a small town known for its passion for high school sports, sophomore Caylee Wilkes is making waves on the Girard Girls Basketball team. During a recent player profile interview on YSN, Wilkes shared insights about her burgeoning career, her dedication to the sport, and how she balances academics with athletics.

Entering her second year on the team, Wilkes has taken on a vital role. “It’s been pretty well,” she said, reflecting on her sophomore season. “It’s been a big change since we lost a very valuable player last year.” Despite the setbacks, Wilkes has risen to the challenge, increasing her responsibilities and minutes on the court. The transition hasn’t come without its challenges. Wilkes emphasized the importance of teamwork and leadership, traits she carries over from her experience on Girard’s varsity softball team. “I think it’s great. I think it gives me a lot of teamwork and leadership and responsibility.”

Setting high goals for the season, Wilkes aimed to improve her passing and dribbling skills. “I think I struggled dribbling last year… and I didn’t want to cause a lot of turnovers this year,” she admitted. Her efforts are clearly paying off, as she noted a significant confidence boost, helped in part by standout performances like her high-scoring game against Mineral Ridge. Beyond the basketball court, Wilkes maintains a focus on her education. A sophomore at Girard High School, she excels in Honors English and history but admits that geometry presents a challenge. “I’ve never been good at math… I’m more into reading,” she said with a laugh, hinting at her preference for one side of her English classes.

Her drive and dedication extend to her organized approach to both school and sport. Known for her methodical study habits and a color-coded organizational style, Wilkes balances her busy schedule with a level of maturity that belies her years. With future aspirations in the medical field, inspired by her mother’s work as a nurse, Wilkes is already thinking ahead while enjoying every moment of her high school experience. “I want to go into the medical field, maybe as a doctor or a dermatologist,” she revealed. Wilkes’ journey is closely followed by a supportive family and community in Girard. “I want to thank my mom, my dad, my stepdad, all my family, coaches, friends, and teammates,” she said gratefully. As the season progresses, the Girard community eagerly anticipates watching Caylee Wilkes grow both as an athlete and a student, confident that with her determination, the sky’s the limit.

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MEGA POWERS

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CANFIELD, OH In a recent feature on the YSN Podcast, Canfield High School senior Joel Rogers, affectionately nicknamed “Mega,” shared insights into his multifaceted life as an athlete, student, and community contributor.

Rogers, known for his role on the Canfield football team, detailed his journey from simply following his older brother into long snapping to becoming a pivotal player on the team. “I kind of just went out there one day with him. We tried it. I did all right at it,” Rogers recounted, describing his transition to the long snapping position. Though he also plays on the offensive and defensive lines, long snapping has become his passion and primary focus.

Beyond the gridiron, Rogers is making significant contributions in his school and the broader community. Known for his can-do attitude, he recently took the initiative to repair a broken jugs machine, an essential tool for the football team’s practice sessions. “I could probably fix that, thinking it’s going to be real quick, easy. And it just kind of stemmed from that,” Rogers humbly explained.

His commitment to community service shines through his involvement with the career center, where he led a project to build a playhouse for Habitat for Humanity. “I felt like I was part of something big,” Rogers reflected, emphasizing the importance of giving back.

Balancing his responsibilities as a student and an athlete, Rogers is also carving out a future in construction. He dreams of starting his own construction company, specializing in woodworking and potentially working on expansive mansions. Influenced by his building and construction teacher, Mr. Benchwick, and his father’s side work, Rogers has developed a keen interest in understanding the mechanics of construction.

Amidst all his endeavors, Rogers finds the most support from his grandmother, his biggest cheerleader. “She hasn’t missed a single one of my events through my whole high school,” he said, showcasing the strong family support system that fuels his achievements.

As the Canfield football team heads into the playoffs, Rogers and his teammates aspire to leave a legacy of hard work and resilience. “We weren’t great our 7th, 8th grade or even our freshman year. But we all sort of just clicked,” Rogers noted, highlighting the team’s journey of growth and unity.

From football fields to community projects, Joel “Mega” Rogers exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a spirit of service, making Canfield proud both on and off the field.

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