SOMERS POINT — City Council honored tennis player Riya Dabas for her efforts to provide a skills and drills clinic to the children of Somers Point.
Dabas, a rising junior at Mainland Regional High School, is a member of the varsity tennis team.
According to a resolution honoring the teen, she reached out to the city Recreation Department with her idea. The Somers Point Police Athletic League quickly jumped at the idea.
“Recognizing the value of Riya’s idea and the opportunity it presented to the children of Somers Point, members of SP PAL embraced the initiative, offered their support and worked with Riya to help bring the tennis program to life,” the resolution states.
It noted that Dabas has taken a leadership role in conducting the program with assistance from other members of the team, “demonstrating not only her considerable tennis skills, but also her dedication, responsibility, leadership and commitment to serving the children of her community.”
The program has been successful, drawing praise from the children and their parents for her ability to teach and encourage young players while serving as a positive role model.
“Through her effort, Riya has demonstrated that community service is not measured by age, but by a willingness to recognize an opportunity to help others and take the initiative to make a difference,” the resolution states.
Dabas was congratulated for her “initiative, dedication and generosity in creating and leading the SP PAL tennis program and for providing the children of Somers Point with a positive opportunity to learn, grow and enjoy the sport of tennis.”
Councilman Sean McGuigan commented on the clinic.
“For Riya to step up like this, it was a real blessing for us. And for you to be so mature and so dedicated to your craft, and that we’re the benefactors of that, is really appreciated. We can’t thank you enough,” he said. “We hope that you continue and we continue to build our relationship as your tennis career continues to blossom, and your academic career is certainly going to be something special. So best of luck to you and thank you so much for stepping up for us.”
Councilwoman Morgan Slaughter added her congratulations.
“I’m speaking as a mother of a high schooler who just graduated this year. It’s a pleasure to hear of a young human doing such big things and being so mature and helping the community out, and I can only imagine how proud your parents are of you in this moment and surely many moments to follow,” she said. “So thank you for all you’ve done.”
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff