Headteacher's Welcome
Each year, almost every industry improves; we are left with better choices and a sense of customization that fuels our passions and ignites our imagination. The exception to this rule continues to be a young persons scholastic experience, and has been for over forty years. During the same time-frame, we have been constantly reminded that motivation and engagement are the two biggest factors determining school success. Ultimately, research shows that if a young person does not understand the "why", then the "how", "when" and "what" are instantly and forever nebulous. At Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy, we like to remind our stakeholders that "if you know what you want to do, you better get ready for it". We believe that our school answers the "why" rather emphatically.
Taking a synergetic approach to academics, athletics and leadership, SALA has seen language arts persuasive essays produced on why Pal Pogba is the worlds most influential midfielder; we have seen budgets drawn up for stadium launches using a shared-services model and lease-purchase options for strategic investment. There have been science experiments conducted based on the Mpemba Effect and its application to a sports team rehydration schedule, and social studies investigations into the immigration and migration patterns of early 20th century European settlers as told by pioneers bringing sports to these shores. SALA 's scholar-athletes have been challenged, motivated, and crucially, engaged.
Embracing a 21st century blended program of study, SALA provides a unique platform for scholar-athletes to pursue college and career readiness. Our belief in student-agency, advocacy and self-directed learning underpins everything we do, and consequently we witness rapid authentic growth in self- discipline, self-regulation, grit, resiliency, time-management, initiative, precision and purpose. The extreme ownership that we encourage at SALA, means that there is no such thing as "homework"; only a daily and weekly work-flow to refine and adjust according to each individuals rigorous study, training and game schedule. Commensurate to our operational intent, Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy provides truly differentiated scholastic experience.
Samuel D. Gough - Principal
OUR MISSION
Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy uniquely propels young people towards their own interests and aspirations through a synchronistic blend of academics and athletics. A life-long love of learning will be fostered and fortified by placing equal value on the enjoyment of productive struggle and overall academic attainment.
OUR VISION
Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy lifts young people beyond their vision of capability to become self-directed learners; developing a growth mindset, becoming young leaders, and applying unique global perspective and experience.
Meet Our Team
Sam Gough
Principal
Briget O'Leary
Professional Educator
Michael Newman
President
President
Ricky Duggal
Technical Director and Educator
Sarah Noble
Finance Director
Scott Middlemass
Technical Director
Marisol Portilla
Director of Student Success
Lana Inacio
Professional Educator
Lana Inacio
Professional Educator
Felipe Arantes
South American Liaison Officer
Founder's Welcome
Each year, almost every industry improves; we are left with better choices and a sense of customization that fuels our passions and ignites our imagination. The exception to this rule continues to be a young person's scholastic experience, and has been for over forty years. During the same time-frame, we have been constantly reminded that motivation and engagement are the two biggest factors determining school success. Ultimately, research shows that if a young person does not understand the "why," then the "how," "when," and "what" are instantly and forever nebulous. At Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy, we like to remind our stakeholders that "if you know what you want to do, you better get ready for it." We believe that our school answers the "why" rather emphatically.
Taking a synergetic approach to academics, athletics and leadership, SALA has seen language arts persuasive essays produced on why Paul Pogba is the worlds most influential midfielder; we have seen budgets drawn up for stadium launches using a shared-services model and lease-purchase options for strategic investment. There have been science experiments conducted based on the Mpemba Effect and its application to a sports team rehydration schedule, and social studies investigations into the immigration and migration patterns of early 20th century European settlers as told by pioneers bringing sports to these shores. SALA's scholar-athletes have been challenged, motivated and, crucially, engaged.
Embracing a 21st century blended program of study, SALA provides a unique platform for scholar-athletes to pursue college and career readiness. Our belief in student-agency, advocacy and self-directed learning underpins everything we do, and consequently we witness rapid authentic growth in self-discipline, self-regulation, grit, resiliency, time-management, initiative, precision and purpose. The extreme ownership that we encourage at SALA, means that there is no such thing as "homework"; only a daily and weekly work-flow to refine and adjust according to each individuals rigorous study, training and game schedule. Commensurate to our operational intent, Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy provides a truly differentiated scholastic experience.
Samuel D. Gough Founder/Director of Education
Executive Leadership Team
Sam Gough
Founder/Director of Education
Jim Dugan
Chief Operating Officer
Lauryn Atkinson
SALA South Principal
Marisol Portilla
Director of Student Success
SALA Staff
Vishal Sandhu
Professional Educator
Melissa Coleman
Professional Educator
Scott Middlemass
Player Development Director
and Academy Head Coach
Brielle Severn
Professional Educator
Bill Rice
Athletic Performance Coach and Professional Educator
John Ciavirella
Athletic Performance Coach and Professional Educator
Anna M-Szydlowski
Professional Educator
SALA Support Staff
Sarah Noble
Director of Finance
Michael Newman
Senior Advisor
Kevin Parks
Senior Advisor
Felipe Arantes
South America Liaison Officer
OUR MISSION
Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy uniquely propels young people towards their own interests and aspirations through a synchronistic blend of academics and athletics. A life-long love of learning will be fostered and fortified by placing equal value on the enjoyment of productive struggle and overall academic attainment.
OUR VISION
Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy lifts young people beyond their vision of capability to become self-directed learners; developing a growth mindset, becoming young leaders, and applying unique global perspective and experience.
Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy does not discriminate in its admissions, or in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, or in access to or treatment in any other School-administered program on the basis of religion, race, color, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other protected category in accordance with applicable Federal, State and local laws.