Swim Across America, a national non-profit dedicated to raising money for cancer research through nationwide swimming events, has selected East Cobb resident and HIES student Meghan Taner to join other elite metro Atlanta swimmers for the inaugural Swim Across America Junior Advisory Board. Cade and Eric will serve as co-presidents of the board.
Twenty students from ten private and public high schools were nominated by their swim coaches and will represent their high schools as ambassadors of Swim Across America, which has raised over $60 million dollars for Cancer Research. In Atlanta, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is the beneficiary, and the Atlanta Open Water Swim will be held at Lake Lanier Islands on September 17th.
Meghan will dive into a 6-month term and spearhead team-building, awareness and fundraising within the Holy Innocents Episcopal School and surrounding communities, while working amongst Atlanta’s current and former Olympians who help host the Swim. They have chosen the name Team HIES.
Varsity Swim Coach Andy Morrison selected Meghan and two other fellow students (Eric Wood and Cade Anderson) based on the qualifications of being spirited leaders and influencers, and both goal-oriented and enthusiastic volunteers with a drive to make a difference. “These three individuals will bring skill and enthusiasm to the board. They are standouts in the classroom and well-liked by peers while being very involved in the school community. They work well with others and will bring great positive energy to the HIES SAA team,” says Morrison. 2016 Olympic Hopeful Amanda Jo Weir, two-time Olympian as a member of the 2004 and 2012 Games, will advise and mentor the board while simultaneously training for the upcoming U.S. Olympic Team Trials in late June.
“Our junior board represents a diverse group who has swum and competed a lifetime together through their school swim teams, swim clubs, summer swim leagues,” said Weir. “Swim Across America allows them to unite for a common cause, develop leadership skills and broaden their circles, all while serving under a dynamic group of Atlanta’s swim elite.” Just weeks after the close of Rio 2016, Megan will lead Team HIES alongside 20 current and former Olympians, 500 recreational and competitive swimmers, and volunteers in either a 1 mile, 5K or ½-mile relay course option.
To join or help support Megan, visit Team HIES.
