10^th Grade Fencer Heads to the Junior Olympics
By Richard Radford

Shona Sanford-Long, a student in tenth grade at the South Royalton School, will be packing her bags and heading to Denver, Colo. next month to enter the fencing tournament at the National Junior Olympics. (Herald / Tim Calabro)

Shona Sanford-Long, a student in tenth grade at the South Royalton School, will be packing her bags and heading to Denver, Colo. next month to enter the fencing tournament at the National Junior Olympics.

The trip is being funded by an outpouring of local support, including a benefit contra dance and raffle to be held next week in South Royalton. Shona will be joining the Floating Bridge Band on fiddle at the show.

The event was organized after Shona participated in the Vermont Fencing Alliance tryouts for the Junior Olympics. She fences at the Ryvnine School of Fence in Norwich. After a great performance, she was selected as part of the team to represent Vermont at the national level.

Shona, 15 years old, said the support of her parents, teachers, and the community is remarkable to her.

"It’s kind of amazing," she said. "There are so many people helping out, and donating stuff."

After Shona was selected, her family was excited, but they were not confident they could put up the money, more than $1,000, necessary to fund the excursion. After speaking with various people in the town, her mother, Suzanne Long, worked with physical education teacher Jeff Thomas to help organize the fundraiser.

Shona was quick to praise Thomas for his help.

"Mr. Thomas has been really helpful," she said. "He’s encouraged me a lot, and taken on a lot of the work, like making the raffle tickets. He’s made the whole thing come together."

Shona said this will be her first trip to Colorado as well.

"I’m pretty excited," she said.

Benefit Contra Dance

People in the area are encouraged to go out to a fun night of music and dancing for a good cause. The contra dance will be held at the South Royalton High School Gym Friday, Jan. 26 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The raffle drawing will take place during the evening. Donations can be sent (made out to the South Royalton School) by mail to: Junior Olympic Fencing Fund, c/o Mr. Jeff Thomas, South Royalton High School, 223 South Windsor Street, South Royalton.