For Lily Boyce, a star on her local cross-country team who attends Poly Prep Country Day School, the highlight of her early career came during a track meet. But it had nothing to do with her goal of running 17.48 by the end of season. It was helping an injured eighth grader .
“I heard a girl crying on the side, clutching her knee and no one was helping her,” Boyce recalled. “I asked if she could run and she said no. She had an injured knee and she had hit it on a rock. I told her that I’d find someone and ran for an official,” she said.
Boyce forgot the once-important race to help the injured student physically and emotionally. “She was embarrassed but it was not that bad. I encouraged her and carried her on my back until the medics came,” she said.
The wounded girl’s parents were grateful that Boyce sacrificed her race to help their child. After medics helped the girl, Boyce finished the race in 25 minutes. “She and her mom gave me a hug and thanked me,” she recalled.
Such actions characterize Boyce, who moved to Brooklyn during her junior year after living in Boston for seven years. Noting that she is “used to moving,” Boyce said, “This is my third high school. I’m currently a senior at Poly and I’m so excited.”
She has embraced the school, getting involved with its sports programs, including track, and been embraced by it in return, this season being named captain of the indoor track team.
“I’m not the best runner on the team. It’s nice because I was chosen based on character instead of skill,” she said. “It’s so much work. I never realized how much was involved but it’s been great. The younger kids had fun last season. My co-captain and I found a balance of tough love while also making it fun for them.”
As with most obstacles, Boyce took the situation in stride. “It’s a really good challenge to have and gain leadership qualities and learn how to apply them. I learned a lot about myself,” she said.
Her education has paid off. Last year, she received the team’s good sportsmanship award. “It was great. Everyone at the school was really welcoming from the beginning,” she said.
As for the extended time she needed to finish the race after aiding the injured student,for Boyce that was a small price to pay for helping someone in need.
And, indeed, Boyce’s act of aiding someone in need makes sense. Although she wants to continue the sport on a club level, her main career goal is to become a nurse practitioner. Her college pick is uncertain, but she decided to write her essay on the experience.
“It’s good because at Poly Prep, the slogan is mind, body and character. It felt great to do the right thing when you’re put to the test,” she said.