This year’s Medway High School Girls Lacrosse team dedicated its season to fellow Medway resident, 9-year-old Emerson Bayse.

Emerson underwent a heart transplant in January but has been recovering and thriving.

“I allow my senior class each year to decide on our season community service project,” said Medway High School’s Head Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach Krystal L. DePaolo.

 Coach DePaolo also works for another school district, where her boss has close ties to the Bayse family.

 “She would give updates on how Emerson’s journey was going, and it made sense to me that we join in on the efforts,” said Coach DePaolo. “In one of our leadership meetings, I brought up Emerson’s story to the group and the idea of fundraising for the family. Without hesitation, the seniors agreed.”

 Following visits to their games, and the team’s ongoing support, Coach DePaolo hopes Emerson becomes a big fan of the Medway High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse team and will consider playing the sport in the future if she is able.

 “It was great having Emerson and her family with us at the game,” said Medway Public Schools Athletic Director Jeff Parcells. “We’ve been collecting donations for Emerson’s family at games throughout the season, and the Medway community really stepped up for this strong and inspiring youngster.”

 “Emerson’s courage is inspiring,” said Medway Superintendent of Schools Armand Pires. “I’m so glad our Medway High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse team has organized this effort to make her life a little easier after her transplant. That’s the sort of kindness and empathy we fully embrace in Medway Public Schools. I wish Emerson all the best as she continues her path to recovery.”

Submitted by Medway Public Schools