When Jaleen Roberts strides onto the track at the Paris Paralympics, it will be the culmination of a journey that began on the fields of her alma mater, Kent-Meridian High School (KM). Known locally for her exceptional athleticism and inspirational advocacy, Roberts is not just a Paralympian; she's a symbol of the community's spirit and determination.
Recently, Roberts returned to her roots for a meet and greet held at Kent Station, an event that brought together the community to celebrate her achievements and support her future endeavors. The gathering was a testament to the strong ties between Roberts and her hometown, and it highlighted how far she has come since her days on French Field.
A Proud Athletic Legacy
Lisa Kelly, Athletic Director at KM, expressed her pride in Roberts' accomplishments. "Jaleen was an athlete at KM, and I am so proud of her and the progress she's made since she graduated. She's been an advocate for the Paralympics and has done such a great job representing Kent, KM, and Team USA."
Roberts' journey began with humble beginnings. According to Kelly, who witnessed her early career, Roberts was a little bit shy. Kelly shared, "I believe her senior year was the first year they offered Paralympics. It took a little encouragement, but once we got her on board, she did a great job." So great that she held the state record which was recently broken.
A Community Celebration
The meet and greet was more than just a chance for fans to get autographs. Cynthia Boyd from Kent Station noted, "this is such a community gathering place so any chance we get that's for the community, no matter how big or small, we're happy to host that." She added that her own children, who also graduated from KM, spoke highly of Roberts' character and achievements.
Boyd observed, "A lot of really proud teachers from the Kent School District (KSD) showed up today." The event also featured a collaboration with Communities in Schools (CIS) Kent, which used the opportunity to host a school supply drive. Marissa from CIS Kent shared, "We partner with Cynthia and Kent Station for our Fill the Bus event which supports KSD students, and she had the idea for people to bring supplies to get an autograph from Jaleen."
Giving Back and Looking Forward
Roberts' commitment to her community extends beyond athletic fields. Her mother expressed her pride, saying, "Educators, coaches, athletic directors, and teachers have come out today. Kent has really stepped up to support her, it's amazing!" She highlighted Roberts' previous involvement in local initiatives within the community, including her role as one of the first youth commissioners on the Kent Parks and Recreation Board and her work with Camp WALKAPALA.
"I am most proud of the way that she's mentored other girls with disabilities," her mother added. "I had a lot of parents in Florida (at trials) come up to me and say, 'Our daughter's 20 now and she made it to Paris. She was in 8th grade when she started, and your daughter was one of her mentors.'" Roberts' mother also shared she is extremely proud of the way she advocates for mental health.
Words from the Champion
As Roberts prepares for the Paris Paralympics, her excitement is palpable. "I'm excited to compete again," she said. "I'm excited to be on a big playing field again internationally and to have my mother and partner there because no spectators were allowed in Tokyo because of the pandemic. I think I'm most excited for having an actual crowd there again."
Roberts also emphasized the importance of community engagement. "Any of my extra things that I do that have to do with track, I prefer to do community outreach because it's a chance to connect with people and be more personable," she explained. "It's always fun to see old teachers, classmates, everybody! It's also another chance to educate the public about the Paralympics."
She offered words of encouragement, saying, "Resiliency is a really important skill to practice because once you practice it, it comes innately and is important to have because everybody is faced with some type of adversity whether it looks different than the next person.” She also encourages students to find their passion and pursue it. “Whether you like to dance, do drama, or an athlete, no matter what it is, you can always succeed in that with determination, even if you’re not necessarily, ‘born with it’. I was born with a disability, so I wasn’t necessarily destined to do something great, but I’ve always been a hard worker and determined.”
Looking Ahead
As Roberts looks forward to Paris, her journey from French Field to the Paralympic podium reflects the dedication, support, and community spirit that has fueled her rise. Her story is not just about personal achievement but also about inspiring others and giving back to the community that supported her from the start.
With her ongoing advocacy and mentorship, Roberts, who has already clinched gold in KSD, is poised to achieve even greater success on the global stage. Her journey exemplifies that, with unwavering determination and robust support, the sky truly is the limit.