Chances are you’ve already seen the results of girls being involved in sports and physical activity without fully recognizing what you are witnessing. Case in point: Meet Melvina Lathan, former chairperson of the New York State Athletic Commission and current director of youth services for the Yonkers Police Athletic League.
Poised, confident, no-nonsense and in control, she is readily available with a warm hug and a smile of encouragement. A lifetime sports and dance enthusiast, she is the organizer of “Girl Power” and the “PAL Girls in Sports Program” that were initiated to provide sports-related opportunities to young girls who may not otherwise be exposed to the wide variety of activities through their local school system and/or neighborhood.
She is confident these activities might just be the pathways to higher education and scholarship.
On Feb. 6, Girls in Sports came to Yonkers Riverside High School. Lathan put together a highly specialized team to speak and share life lessons. An auditorium filled with academically motivated ninth-graders arrived to listen, learn and be encouraged by these shared stories.
International boxing Champion Krystal Dixon set the stage with her highly spirited and uplifting personality to which the audience responded in kind with laughter, applause, and other wonderful sounds of appreciation.
Dr. Edward Lathan, emergency medicine physician and the only male on the program, shared personal stories, focusing on the importance of teamwork, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
The Yonkers forensics team (all women!) and other female members of YPD’s finest contributed with more life lessons, as did the Hon. Judge Mary Ann Scatteratico-Naber, who appeared in full court robe – with gavel in hand.
Karate teacher Daniella Tocco received the PAL Sports Award this year, and State Sen. Shelley Mayer received the Woman’s Empowerment Award.
Somewhere in the midst of all this, Mayor Mike Spano enlightened the girls as only he can, and presented Lathan with a proclamation from the City of Yonkers, with Council member Shanae Williams by his side.
Kudos, Melvina Lathan, the Yonkers PAL, Riverside H.S., and all who helped make this day possible. Hopefully, girl power will continue to grow in Yonkers.
