From Salem News Executive Sports Editor Phil Stacey:
For their accomplishments both in the classroom and in the athletic arena, Peabody High senior track star Evan Bedard and Danvers High sophomore gymnastics sensation Kaylee Westcott have been chosen as the Moynihan Lumber Student-Athletes of the Month for February.
The 17-year-old Bedard, who has a 3.74 grade point average and is ranked 43rd in his senior class, had an outstanding indoor track and field season for the Tanners this winter. He was chosen as the Northeastern Conference’s MVP in the sport and set a new school record in the long jump, winning the Meet of Champions with a leap of 23 feet 1 3/4 inches. That jump was the best in the Bay State this year.
“All fall I put in a lot of work to get ready for the winter season,” said the 5-foot-8 Bedard. “(All-American shot putter and teammate) Alex Jackson I had followed a workout plan that the coaches set up where we were lifting every day and getting stronger and stronger. All that hard work definitely paid off. I started getting the numbers that I and the coaches expected … and I never looked back.”
Bedard, who had taken second place in the long jump at the Division 2 championships prior to the Meet of Champions, went on to take third place in that event at the New England Championships. Also at the Meet of Champions, he was part of Peabody’s 4×200 relay team that broke another school record.
Being able to represent Peabody and have the success that I’ve had means the world to me,” said the two-year Tanner captain. “I truly love my team; we all hold each other accountable and we love working hard … I mean, really love it. We have the best work ethic in the NEC … in my mind, in the whole state.”
That same dedication to his craft and working hard can be applied to Bedard’s schoolwork. Long ago learning what it means to balance his time between studying and sports, he makes sure to get his homework and projects done as early as he can, stays after school to get extra help when needed, and knows where his priorities lie.
“My schoolwork comes first, always,” he said. “It becomes a habit. ‘I have to do this work first before I can go jump or work out.’ Planning ahead is key. Honestly it’s a blessing; keeping a schedule like that really works best for me as far as sticking to it.”
Bedard, whose current class at Peabody High is Current Events, said he’s eager to see what he can do in outdoor track this spring.
“I wasn’t on anyone’s radar to win the state title, but I did and think I can do it again outdoors, too,” said Bedard, who will also participate in the triple jump. “If I can qualify for New Balance Nationals again, too, that’d be great.”
Westcott, a member of the Danvers/Lynnfield gymnastics team, has been involved in gymnastics since she was three years old, following in the steps of her older sister (and DHS teammate), Maddie.
“I loved it right away, being able to flip around and do my own thing,” said Westcott, who turns 16 years old this Thursday. “It got a lot more competitive when I was placed on a team at six years old, but that was great for me because it taught me about discipline at a young age. Even standing on a straight line, things like that which require concentration and focus.”
A remarkable season saw the 5-foot-1 Westcott earning the Massachusetts State Individual Champion title with a spectacular 39.225 all-around score. She won the state title in the vault, balance beam, floor exercises and the All-Around while taking third place on the uneven bars.
A Level 10 gymnast, Westcott helped Danvers to a 6-1 record during the regular season, then a fourth place as a team at the state championships — where she placed second individually with a 38.4. She was also selected as the NEC/CAL Most Valuable Gymnast.
Her floor routine is a favorite of Westcott’s, where she can show off a bit of her personality. Its’ also where she’s known as ‘The Christmas Girl’ by judges and even opponents for using holiday music as part of her routine, no matter what time of year it is.
This was a special year for her since she got to spend it with Maddie, her senior sister. “It was so special to me, especially since she was hurt last year but came back for her final high school season,” said Westcott, who also performs for her Yellow Jackets club team. “Everything I did was for Maddie, honestly, and the team. I wanted to make this year special.”
When it comes to her studies, Westcott is equally committed as she is in the gym. An honor roll student, she is enrolled in three Honors classes as a 10th grader and is eagerly awaiting when she can add Advanced Placement (AP) classes next year as a junior.
“Gymnastics has taught me that not everything is going to be easy in life or go your way, but you have to keep grinding through it. It’s the same thing with classes and homework,” said Westcott, whose parents are Shawn and Stacey. She also has two brothers (one older, one younger). “There are going to be challenges, and you have to choose how you’re going to take on those challenges.
Since she loves to write, it’s only natural that her favorite subject in school is English.
“When it comes to writing, all the right words come right into my head,” she said with a chuckle. “Once I start writing, I can’t stop. It comes very naturally to me.”
Westcott has also been involved in Danvers’ DECA program and recently earned top 12 finalist recognition.
