West Leyden student appointed to IHSA Student Advisory Committee

A diverse group of students from the Chicagoland area, committee members are selected based on their participation in interscholastic activities and athletics; and their ability to communicate with administrators, coaches and the student body.

The Northlake resident was nominated as a committee member by Randy Conrad, District 212’s athletic director, who says he knew Elle “would make a great representative for Leyden high schools.”

Conrad recalls that IHSA Executive Director Beth Sauser asked if he would like to nominate a student to represent Division 4 on the advisory committee. He says that because of her maturity and leadership skills, Elle was the first person he thought of.

“Elle was a freshman when she was immediately brought up to play varsity softball,” Conrad says. “To bring up a freshman onto a varsity high school sports team is a big deal. The athlete needs the talent and the maturity that comes along with playing at that level.”

According to Conrad, Elle has a GPA of 4.20 and works hard to reach her goals. “I see her most every day at 6 in the morning lifting weights before school - and then play a softball game until 7 in the evening,” he says.

The advisory committee serves as a liaison between students, administrators and the IHSA board of directors and staff. It also promotes association ideals including leadership, sportsmanship and integrity.

Elle Engelke is among a diverse group of Chicago area students serving as members of the IHSA Student Advisory Committee.