LAWRENCE, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2025)— The Lawrence School District proudly took part in the annual Unified Champion Schools (UCS) Coaches and Athletes Unity Summit this past Friday, joining over 55 schools from across the region for a powerful day of collaboration, learning, and leadership development.
Held as a dynamic gathering of student-athletes and coaches, the summit focused on core themes including fair play, mental health awareness for both athletes and coaches, and the importance of personal and community growth through sports.
Representing Lawrence at the summit were Coach Donald Crispyn and Special Education Teacher David Ziff, along with four standout student-athletes: Saully Hernandez, Jordan Gajadhar, Eitan Kisheev, and Jayden Torres. The group participated in a full day of interactive workshops and discussions that encouraged reflection, empathy, and leadership both on and off the field.
A special highlight of the summit was the opportunity for the Lawrence students to take the stage alongside keynote speaker Mark Leinweaver, a renowned advocate for character-driven athletics and professional sports mentor. The students engaged directly with Leinweaver during his impactful presentation, contributing to a conversation about resilience, responsibility, and unity in sports.
“Our students came away from the summit energized and inspired,” said David Ziff. “It was a meaningful experience that not only emphasized the values of fair competition, but also reinforced the importance of emotional well-being and being leaders in our community.”
The UCS Unity Summit continues to be a valuable experience for young athletes and coaches alike, offering a platform to connect across schools, share stories, and build a stronger, more supportive athletic culture.
For more information about the Lawrence UFSD and the latest District news, please visit www.lawrence.org #LawrenceSTRONG
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Photo 1: From left to right, Saully Hernandez, Jayden Torres, Eitan Kisheev, Jordan Gajadhar, Coach David Ziff and Coach Donal Crispyn
