Track Star Ames Awarded Mickey Sullivan Award

By Christopher Tremblay, Staff Sports Writer

Bellingham High School Athletic Director Michael Connor and Principal Megan Lafayette announced that senior Gretchen Ames was awarded the Mickey Sullivan Student Achievement Award. 

The award is recognized by the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association (MSSADA) and honors a student who has contributed to high school athletics in a meaningful and lasting way. The Bellingham senior was one of nine students, one from each of the MSSADA district, to be nominated for this prestigious award.

Ames, a member of the Blackhawks cross country, indoor track and outdoor track and field teams, was the District 7 (Bay State, Hockomock and Tri-Valley Leagues) selection due to her efforts not only on the field but also as a member of the National Honor Society, the school band and most notably as a sophomore MIAA Student Ambassador as well as a two-year member of the MIAA Student Advisory Council.

“Gretchen is the total package; student-athlete, a member of the band, a standout in the classroom and volunteer for a variety of endeavors,” the Bellingham AD said. “As a freshman, Gretchen’s personality shined and as a sophomore, I named her the Bellingham MIAA Student Ambassador. The following year, she was interviewed by the MIAA for the coveted MIAA Student Advisory Council position and while generally a one -year role, she was invited to return for a second year.”

While many students today say they just don’t have the time to do many things, Ames is continually adding projects to her plate.

“She is a great example for all of our students that you can be involved in a variety of programs. She has an extraordinary ability to manage her time and maximize her involvement,” Lafayette said. “Her contributions to the MIAA, BHS athletic and music department and activities have not gone unnoticed. We are very thankful for all that she has done. This award is certainly well deserved.”

Although knowing that the BHS AD had nominated her for the award, she was not prepared to win it.

“A few days before school break, I heard from Mr. Connor that I won the award – I was in total shock,” Ames said. “I really didn’t think that I’d win it at all. There are millions of others who could have won. Coming from Bellingham, where many people have never heard about us, it was exciting to represent our school and state.”

Growing up, Ames was a gymnast who was looking for a sport to compliment her training. In the eighth grade, she found track, along with a bunch of her friends. The pre-high schooler decided on distance running.

“I ran the 800 that first year, and I thought that I did relatively well for an eighth grader,” she said. “There was nothing earth shattering, but I was able to keep up with the rest of the runners.”

The following year, as a freshman, she had originally planned on trying out for the cheerleading team, but after her stint with track she aborted that idea and went out for the cross-country team. She felt that running distance was a powerful event where she was in total control of herself.

“I really like running cross country, especially for the courses. It’s (my) favorite of all the running, the mile and 2-miler seem never ending while cross country just seems to flow,” Ames said. “My run times are average, but it’s a personal sport, and I like seeing my growth.”

“I think that one of the reasons that I received the Mickey Sullivan Award was because I was a captain at such a young age. When I joined cross-country, the program was just in the beginning stages and I happened to be one of the older girls on the team,” she recalled. “I just wanted to try to be a good leader to the rest of the team. Bellingham is a tiny team, but it has a lot of school spirit.”

As the Bellingham Student Ambassador, Ames took part in student leadership summits, but it was being part of the Student Advisory Council that had its moments.

“I had heard so many things that intrigued me about being part of the Student Advisory Council as well as making new friends and learning,” she said.  “That first year was really different as we were going into it blind because of Covid, but I feel that I have made a difference, especially in the mental health workshop that year.”

Ames had also taken part in the local backpack drive for those in need.  She felt a great accomplishment when Bellingham was named the recipient of the drive as she was helping people in her community, and that was important to her. 

No matter what she has taken part in, whether being the Blackhawks Student Ambassador, taking part with the Student Advisory Council or helping Bellingham on the track, Ames has always given her best to help those around her and is certainly deserving of the Mickey Sullivan Student Achievement Award.