On Saturday, January 14th the PAFs gathered to enjoy an afternoon of gymnastics and celebrate the memory of Lindsey Ferris, CCAS BA ‘01 MA ‘03. Now in its 10th year, GW Athletics hosts the Lindsey Ferris Invitational to honor Lindsey’s legacy. GW Gymnastics won the Invitational for the fifth year in a row!
Lindsey was a GW Gymnastics and PAF alumna who passed away in 2006. In her short life, she garnered many professional and academic accomplishments, but, more importantly, she touched many people and has had a lasting effect on her communities, including GW.
The invitational highlights one key aspect of Lindsey’s legacy: her consistently upbeat attitude. At the conclusion of the meet, a GW gymnast is given the Attitude is Everything Award for demonstrating a positive and tenacious attitude throughout the year. Lindsey was known on the gymnastics team and throughout GW for her vibrant spirit and passion for excellence. This year, with many previous awardees standing in front of the podium, senior co-captains Chelsea Raineri and Alex DeMoura were honored as the 2017 recipients.
After the meet and ceremony, the current PAFs and PAF alumni, members of thegymnastics team, and friends, family, and alumni of the team gathered in the Colonials Club to reflect on how Lindsey’s legacy continues to impact us today. Linsey’s gymnastics teammates shared stories of her can-do attitude, and the gymnastics coach shared how Lindsey’s attitude shaped the priorities of the team today. PAF alumna Emmanuella (DuPlessy) Greene, CCAS BA ‘02 MPA ‘04 spoke on behalf of the PAF program about Lindsey’s dedication to lifting others up.
The PAF program enjoyed this opportunity to engage with GW Athletics and reflect on Lindsey’s life. Though her life was far too short, her impact has been remarkable.