The student-led organization 'Make Great Plays', founded by Westlake High athletes, is dedicated to empowering elementary school students to dream big and believe in their potential for academic achievement.

The Genesis and Mission of Make Great Plays

Dhuruv Sankararaman, a junior baseball player at Westlake High, initiated 'Make Great Plays' nearly four years ago. Initially, the group focused on collecting and donating essential sports equipment to the five Title 1 schools within the Conejo Valley Unified School District.

The organization's scope has significantly expanded over the past year. 'Make Great Plays' has since organized supply drives, successfully equipping over 100 students with necessary backpacks and school supplies. Furthermore, members dedicate classroom time to help elementary students improve their computer literacy skills.

Impact at Maple Elementary

Maple Elementary in Newbury Park was one of the initial beneficiaries of Sankararaman's efforts. He recalled the impact of supplying backpacks, stating, "We picked up 100 backpacks full of supplies. They made a huge difference to hand them out to everyone in need."

The group recently shifted focus to recognizing student achievement at Maple Elementary. They hosted an awards assembly specifically honoring students who are exceptionally helpful to the large autistic population at the school.

Inspiring Recognition Ceremonies

Unique Student-Led Awards

The 'Make Great Plays' team developed five distinct awards for the ceremony, one designated for a student in every grade level. These awards included titles such as Inclusion Hero, Unity Champion, Global Ambassador, Hope Maker, and Pathfinder.

Meghann O'Weger, the principal at Maple Elementary, emphasized the unique value of having high schoolers lead the event. She noted, "Something feels different when the person giving the award is still a kid, but a bigger one. If adults came in and gave out the awards, it wouldn't be the same as from peers."

Beyond College Applications: A Rewarding Experience

The current roster of 'Make Great Plays' consists of 20 members who participate in various sports at Westlake High, including soccer, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, and volleyball.

While the project began partly as a way to enhance college entrance applications, the members find the experience deeply gratifying. Sankararaman shared that working with students facing unstable home lives or academic setbacks helps shift their perspectives.

He observed that many of these younger students are very smart and respectful, viewing the high schoolers as role models. "It’s cool to see faces light up when they realize how successful they can become, that they have the possibility of a great future," Sankararaman added.

Future Expansion Plans

Sankararaman intends to expand the reach of 'Make Great Plays' beyond the local area. His future plans include bringing the program to schools in Los Angeles County and to rural India, the region where his parents grew up.