Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Western Area Outdoor Pool Renaming
20151 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville
As prepared
Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be with you today to officially rename the Western County Outdoor Pool to the Sarah E. Auer Western County Outdoor Pool.
It is wonderful to be joined by Sarah’s parents Charles and Doris; her sister Gretchen and brother Timothy; her grandparents; and many other friends and family members.
Sarah grew up in Montgomery County and graduated from Poolesville High School. She swam competitively for that School. She set several team records, was a four-time MVP; and each year of high school she competed in the finals.
Sarah enjoyed swimming but she discovered that coaching and mentoring were her passions. Despite her young age, Sarah she was an excellent leader who served the community in many positive ways.
She loved to teach children to swim and help them build their skills; and when she was 17 years old, she became the head coach for the Poolesville Piranhas Swim Team.
Sarah inspired many youngsters in the swim program. She not only taught them to swim but also emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and sense of community.
The Montgomery County Swim League continues to recognize the contributions that Sarah made through the annual Sarah E. Auer mini-meet, which took place this morning.
I want to especially thank the Auer family for their time and generosity in setting up the Sarah E. Auer Memorial Scholarship fund.
To date, more than 100 Montgomery County swimmers and Poolesville High School students have received scholarships toward their college education.
Thank you to the Town of Poolesville Commissioners for your leadership; and to the wonderful community of Poolesville.
I also want to thank Gabe Albornoz and our Department of Recreation staff.
The Department’s aquatics program is nationally recognized for its outstanding swim and dive programs and our aquatics facilities are recognized for being among the best in the country.
I appreciate being part of this special event that honors one our County’s finest young people.
Thank you for coming out today.
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Sunday, July 16; Noon