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High School Sports

OHSAA track

The Ohio high school girls track and field season has been filled with highlights. With the postseason getting underway this week with district competition, it’s time to determine who was the top Columbus-area athlete during the regular season. Read about the 15 candidates and then vote in our poll. The deadline is 4 p.m. May 30.  […]

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OHSAA track


The Ohio high school girls track and field season has been filled with highlights.

With the postseason getting underway this week with district competition, it’s time to determine who was the top Columbus-area athlete during the regular season.

Read about the 15 candidates and then vote in our poll. The deadline is 4 p.m. May 30. 

All candidates and their statistics were submitted by area coaches. 

In addition, look for the annual All-Metro teams for spring sports in the days following the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards show, which is June 18 at Upper Arlington High School. 

Aliyah Bennett, Gahanna Lincoln The junior is one of many threats for a Lions team that entered the postseason with high hopes. Bennett ran on the first-place 400-meter relay (47.05 seconds) at the OCC-Ohio meet as Gahanna won the team title. She also finished second in the 200 (25.49) and third in the 100 (12.63).Olentangy Orange's Brooke Chapman wins the 1,600 meters at the 2024 Division I state meet.Brooke Chapman, Olentangy Orange The defending Division I state champion in the 1,600, the junior prepared for the postseason by finishing second in the 800 (2:16.28) and 1,600 (4:50.86) at the OCC-Central meet. The North Carolina State commit also ran on the first-place 1,600 relay (3:57.43). She has program records in the 800 (2:12.22), 3,200 (10:28.94), 1,600 relay (3:53.24) and 3,200 relay (9:13.69). 

Brittany Douglas, Beechcroft 

It’s been a breakout freshman season for Douglas, who won the 100 hurdles (14.81) and 300 hurdles (46.24) at the City League meet. Douglas has the program record in the 300 hurdles (46.11). 

Upper Arlington's Maren Degenhart prepares for the 1,600 relay at last year's Division I state meet.

Maren Degenhart, Upper Arlington 

The senior helped lead the Golden Bears at the OCC-Central meet, running on the second-place 400 (49.47) and 1,600 (3:57.81) relays. She also ran on the program-record 800 (1:41.45) and 1,600 (3:50.02) relays and was part of the 1,600 relay that won the Division I state title last year.

Northridge's Isabel Evans competes in the 100-meter hurdles during the Licking County League meet May 15 at Heath.

Isabel Evans, Northridge 

The senior hurdler prepared for the Division III district meet by winning the 100 hurdles (14.11) and 300 hurdles (43.76) at the Licking County League meet. She owns program records in both – 14.08 in the 100 hurdles and 43.12 in the 300 hurdles – and is the reigning Division II state champion in the 100 hurdles.

Madie Gladden, Delaware Hayes The junior sprinter played a key role in leading the Pacers to a second-place finish in the OCC-Capital meet. She won the 100 (12.18) and 200 (program-record 24.97) and was second in the 400 (1:00.84).  Katelyn Hogenbirk, Westerville South The freshman distance runner has quickly adapted to high school competition with several strong efforts this season. She has top times of 2:40.03 in the 800, 5:41 in the 1,600 and 11:59.2 in the 3,200. Lilly LaRosa, Hilliard Davidson The junior sprinter was one of many contributors in the Wildcats’ OCC-Central title, winning the 100 (12.19), 200 (25.09) and 400 (program-record 53.99). She also has the program record in the 100 (12.04).Patience Locklear, Hartley The junior is among the state’s best jumpers with a top effort of 5-8 in the high jump. She has a personal best of 17-2¾ in the long jump. Locklear won the long jump (16-7) and high jump (5-4) at the CCL meet. Alyvia Mentlow, Westerville Central The senior sprinter was a standout at the OCC-Ohio meet, winning the 100 (12.15) and 200 (25.02) and running on the second-place 1,600 relay (3:58.44). Central finished second behind Gahanna. Granville's Annie McCracken competes at the Licking County League meet.Annie McCracken, Granville The junior prepared for the postseason by winning the pole vault (12 feet, 6 inches) in the LCL meet, helping the Blue Aces capture the team championship. McCracken holds the program record of 13-0, which is first in the state in Division I.Whetstone's Catherine Pierce won the 100 and 400 at the City League meet.Catherine Pierce, Whetstone The senior helped power the Braves to their third consecutive City League title, winning the 100 (12.27) and 400 (58.71). Pierce is part of the program-record 400 relay (50.17). Olentangy's Chayla Rankin is the defending Division I state champion in the high jump.Chayla Rankin, Olentangy The defending Division I state champion in the high jump, the senior remains one of the premier high jumpers and hurdlers in Ohio. At the OCC-Cardinal meet, the Indiana commit won the 100 hurdles (15.28), 300 hurdles (45.91) and high jump (5-4). Lucy Rush, Mount Vernon The junior distance runner helped lead the Yellow Jackets to a second-place finish in the LCL meet, finishing second in the 1,600 (5:15.38) and third in the 3,200 (11:29.85). She has personal-best times of 2:20.41 in the 800, 5:15.37 in the 1,600 and 11:11.53 in the 3,200. Natalie Vrancken, Big Walnut The senior helped propel the Golden Eagles to the OCC-Capital title, winning the discus (138-1), shot put (36-0) and high jump (5-2). The Bowling Green commit holds the program record in the discus (143-2).High school sports reporter Frank DiRenna can be reached at fdirenna@dispatch.com and at @DispatchFrank on X.

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High School Sports

Top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century

Florida has a strong tradition of producing top high school athletes across a variety of sports. Many of the state’s best went on to stellar professional careers or have shined on the Olympic stage. Read on for a look at our picks for the top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century beginning […]

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Top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century

Florida has a strong tradition of producing top high school athletes across a variety of sports.

Many
of the state’s best went on to stellar professional careers
or have shined on the Olympic stage.

Read on for a look at our picks for the top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century beginning with the graduating class of 2001. Selections were based primarily off of prep accomplishments and accolades.

(Graphic: Ryan Escobar)

(Graphic: Ryan Escobar)

1. Derrick Henry, Yulee

Class: 2013 Sport: Football

Before being named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2020, the
Heisman Trophy winner was a machine in the backfield for Yulee. As a
freshman Henry ran for 2,788 yards and 38 touchdowns. As a senior he
broke Florida records with 4,261 yards and 55 scores on the ground.
Henry finished his high school career with 12,124 rushing yards,
breaking the national mark set by Ken Hall in 1953.

Class: 2025 Sport: Basketball

Arguably the most accomplished high school basketball player of
all-time, Boozer is the only two-time MaxPreps National Player of the
Year. He won four consecutive state championships in the state’s highest classification, captured three straight Nike EYBL Peach Jam
titles, won a pair of gold medals and took home the national title in
2024-25.

Class: 2005 Sports: Baseball, football, track and field

Batted .709 with 16 home runs and 42 RBI as a senior. McCutchen was also one of the top football recruits in the state, reportedly turning down an offer from the University of Miami to play wide receiver. His speed showed up on the track where he won a state championship in the 4×100 relay.

Class: 2008 Sports: Football, track and field

Known as Patrick Johnson in high school, Peterson compiled 733 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while intercepting five passes on defense as a senior. He was also one of the top sprinters in the state, running the 100 meters in 10.92 seconds and 200 meters in 22.24 seconds.

Class: 2025 Sport: Basketball

Although
he played just two full seasons with Montverde Academy after moving
from Australia to Florida during his sophomore season, Simmons left his
mark on the high school scene. The versatile forward helped the Eagles
go 62-1 during his time on the floor with three consecutive Chipotle
Nationals titles. As a senior, he piled up 27.1 points, 11.8
rebounds and 4.1 assists per game to earn MaxPreps National Player of the Year
honors.

Class: 2024 Sports: Football, track and field

The 2023 MaxPreps All-American is already one of the most dominant
college football players in the country heading into his sophomore
season. It started in high school as Smith helped lead Chaminade-Madonna
to three consecutive state championships. As a senior, he caught 90
passes for 1,389 yards and 19 touchdowns for the No. 2 team in the
nation. As a junior, Smith won the 110- and 400-meter hurdles at the Class 2A state meet.

Class: 2013 Sport: Swimming

Although
he didn’t compete in the Olympics while in high school, Murphy has won
five Olympic gold medals in his swimming career and nine total. He was a
six-time gold medal winner in high school at the state meet and he
still holds the state record in the 100 backstroke, an event he won four
times. He is also a part of three other relay state records.

Class: 2002 Sport: Baseball

A Cy Young winner in the MLB, Greinke started his
baseball career as a shortstop in high school, hitting over .400 with 31 career home
runs. It shouldn’t be any surprise that he won two Silver Slugger awards
in the Major Leagues. Compiled a 0.55 ERA with a record of 9-2 and 118 strikeouts in 63 innings as a senior.

Class: 2001 Sports: Football, basketball, track & field

In 2007 Taylor was named to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s All-Century Team, which selected the top 33 players in the 100-year history of high school football in the state. As a senior, he was a star on both sides of the ball as he rushed for 1,400 yards and scored a state-record 44 touchdowns while also piling up more than 100 tackles. Taylor won the state Class 2A 100-meter dash in 2000.

Class: 2024 Sport: Basketball

The
recent No. 1 overall pick is the only player to earn state MaxPreps
Player of the Year honors as a freshman, which he did in Maine. Flagg was also the leader of an undefeated
2023-24 Montverde Academy squad, averaging 16.4 points,
7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 blocked shots per game as a senior.

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High School Sports

HBCU Highlights Young Voices with New Sideline Media Team

LORMAN, Miss. — Alcorn State University is changing the game this fall. But instead of a new quarterback or head coach, it’s a fresh crew of media stars taking the field. They’re called The 4Kasters, and they’re bringing a youthful, high-energy twist to HBCU football coverage in 2025. Meet the 4Kasters: The New Faces of […]

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HBCU Highlights Young Voices with New Sideline Media Team

LORMAN, Miss. — Alcorn State University is changing the game this fall. But instead of a new quarterback or head coach, it’s a fresh crew of media stars taking the field. They’re called The 4Kasters, and they’re bringing a youthful, high-energy twist to HBCU football coverage in 2025.

Meet the 4Kasters: The New Faces of Alcorn Football Media

The 4Kasters are a group of four young sports enthusiasts who will serve as sideline reporters for Braves home games. With microphones in hand and badges around their necks, these mini media pros will interview players, coaches, and fans in real time.

Their name is a clever play on “casters” and “4K” resolution — a nod to both broadcasting and high-definition quality. More importantly, they represent a bold new way to connect with the community and showcase HBCU football through fresh eyes.

A Vision Rooted in Innovation and Community

“Alcorn has always embraced innovation and community,” said Athletic Director E. D’Wayne Robinson. “With the 4Kasters, we’re combining both. This initiative gives kids an incredible opportunity to grow and engage while connecting fans to the game in a whole new way.”

That new connection comes in the form of real-time interviews, fun sideline banter, and questions that bring out the heart of the HBCU game day experience. Whether they’re getting the scoop from a star running back or talking to a kid in the stands, the 4Kasters are all about energy and engagement.

HBCU Alcorn State University 4Kasters
Where to Watch the 4Kasters in Action

Fans can catch the 4Kasters in multiple places throughout the season:

  • On the jumbotron at home games
  • Across Alcorn Athletics’ social media channels
  • In special video features shared online

Their interviews and game day coverage will be part of a larger effort to spotlight HBCU culture, school spirit, and student-athlete stories.

Building the Next Generation of HBCU Storytellers

By putting microphones in young hands, Alcorn State is doing more than entertaining fans. It’s inspiring future journalists and showing that storytelling has no age limit.

This fall, as the Braves chase wins on the field, the 4Kasters will be chasing answers, reactions, and unforgettable moments.

Be sure to follow Alcorn State University on social media for all the updates. The 2025 season is about to get a whole lot brighter — and bolder — thanks to four young voices bringing 4K flair to HBCU football.

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High School Sports

TNT Demolition Derby to close out Muskegon County Fair

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – ‘Tis the season for summer fairs. This week, both Muskegon and Ottawa counties are hosting concurrent events, offering fun activities across the region. The 2025 Muskegon County Fair kicked off on Saturday, July 19, with a craft and vendor show and a shooting sports competition. Events run through Saturday, July 26. […]

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TNT Demolition Derby to close out Muskegon County Fair

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – ‘Tis the season for summer fairs. This week, both Muskegon and Ottawa counties are hosting concurrent events, offering fun activities across the region.

The 2025 Muskegon County Fair kicked off on Saturday, July 19, with a craft and vendor show and a shooting sports competition. Events run through Saturday, July 26.

Attendees can expect various fair games, tractor pulls, themed family-fun days, demolition derby, extreme music bingo, a rodeo and more.

General admission to the fair is free. Some grandstand events, including the rodeo and demolition derby, require separate tickets costing up to $30.

See below for schedule highlights of the remaining fair days.

Wednesday, July 23

  • 1 to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
  • 1:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Brain Freeze
  • 3:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Horse Shoe Toss
  • 5:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Water Trough Race
  • 7 p.m. – Grandstand event: Flying Star Rodeo

Thursday, July 24

  • 1 to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
  • 1:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Don’t Spill the Beans!
  • 3:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Hay Toss
  • 4 to 7 p.m. – Steak Fry: Muskegon Mounted Unit
  • 5:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Horse Race

Friday, July 25

  • 9 a.m. – Shooting sports at the Fairgrounds Updyke Building
  • Noon – Showman of Showmen
  • 1 to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
  • 1:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Flying Chickens
  • 2 p.m. – Xtreme Music Bingo
  • 3:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Egg Toss
  • 6 p.m. – Xtreme Music Bingo
  • 6:30 p.m. – Stock & Modified Truck and Tractor Pulls
  • 9 p.m. – Youth dance/Live entertainment

Saturday, July 26

  • 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Farm Bureau Pancake Breakfast
  • 9 a.m. – Silent auction opens
  • 10 a.m. – Baked goods auction
  • 1 p.m. – Talent Show
  • Noon to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
  • 1 p.m. – Silent Auction Closes
  • 3 p.m. – Awards ceremony
  • 4 p.m. – Release of Horses
  • 5 p.m. – Grandstand event: TNT Demolition Derby
  • 9 p.m. – Fair closes to the public.

To learn more, visit muskegonfairgrounds.com.

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HIGH SCHOOL Alan Arsenault Special to the Telegram & Gazette Players from Bella Marble and Granite (North High) puts their hands in before facing Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League championship game on Tuesday July 22, 2025. Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and […]

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Photos

HIGH SCHOOL

Alan Arsenault

Special to the Telegram & Gazette

Players from Bella Marble and Granite (North High) puts their hands in before facing Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League championship game on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Players from Bella Marble and Granite (North High) puts their hands in before facing Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League championship game on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) tipoff in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) tipoff in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Jyzeer Fiske drains a 3-pointer versus Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Jyzeer Fiske drains a 3-pointer versus Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Robert Williams drives as Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Josiah Bates defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Robert Williams drives as Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Josiah Bates defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Tylib Jenkins looks to pass as Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Jayden Orhon defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Tylib Jenkins looks to pass as Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Jayden Orhon defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Jayden Orhon, left, and Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Miguel Numez reach for a rebound in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Jayden Orhon, left, and Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Miguel Numez reach for a rebound in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Jyzeer Fiske drives as Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Jariel Hernandez defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Jyzeer Fiske drives as Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Jariel Hernandez defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) compete in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) compete in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Ryan Dennis shoots over Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Joseph Jaddah in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Ryan Dennis shoots over Bella Marble and Granite (North)’s Joseph Jaddah in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Hezaki Brown leaps towards the basket versus Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty)’s Hezaki Brown leaps towards the basket versus Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) poses with their trophy after defeating Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) poses with their trophy after defeating Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette

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High School Sports

Top New Mexico high school football WRs, who will have best 2025 season? Vote

What better way to prep for the high school football season than looking at which players are worth watching on Friday nights? New Mexico high school football will kick off August 18 (first Friday night), which is just under a month away. So, as we gear up for the bright lights, loud crowds and big-time […]

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Top New Mexico high school football WRs, who will have best 2025 season? Vote

What better way to prep for the high school football season than looking at which players are worth watching on Friday nights?

New Mexico high school football will kick off August 18 (first Friday night), which is just under a month away. So, as we gear up for the bright lights, loud crowds and big-time plays, High School On SI will break down New Mexico’s top players by position heading into the 2025 season.

Not only does this preseason coverage highlight the best returning players ahead of the fall, but it allows the New Mexico high school football community to VOTE on which player could have the biggest 2025 season.

Could it be a rising sophomore? A highly-touted prospect? Could it be a player not listed below?

Some of the players might not be the most highly touted, recruited or covered, but their numbers indicate they are performing at their respective level — and likely impacting victory for their programs.

Below is a list of New Mexico’s top wide receivers to watch ahead of the 2025 season based on a few factors: stats from the previous season (from MaxPreps.com), recruiting status (from 247Sports), and the discretion of the reporter (Tarek Fattal).

(Athletes listed in alphabetical order | Voting poll at bottom of page)

Cox-liggins was one of the state’s best sophomores in 2024. He caught 64 passed for 1,112 yards and 12 TDs. The 6-foot-3 wideout averaged 101 yards per game and averaged 17.4 yards per catch.

Duran tallied 941 yards on just 37 catches and 12 TDs in 2024.

Erickson hauled in 57 passes for 906 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior in 11 games.

Smith led all freshman in receiving yards in 2024. He had 62 catches for 698 yards and 12 TDs for a 10-2 squad last fall.

Lee was one of few 1,000-yard receivers in 2024. He caught 58 balls for 1,182 yards and 17 TDs in 11 games as a junior for the 8-3 Warriors.

Maldanado could be considered the No. 1 wideout in the state heading into 2025. While others on the list could breakout into big seasons, Maldanado is expected to deliver after 918 yards receiving and 11 TD catches to help Cleveland win the 6A title.

La Cueva reached the 6A final in 2024 and could be a force to be reckoned with again in 2025. Montano had 35 receptions for 417 yards and five TDs last year and will likely double his production in 2025.

In 13 games as junior, Winnikoff brought in 51 catches for 781 yards and five TDs for a 6A Cruces team that could see Winnikoff turn into its No. 1 wideout in 2025.

The voting poll will close on Wednesday, July 30 at 8 p.m. (PT).

Bookmark High School on SI for all of the latest high school sports news.

To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: 

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High School Sports

Recent arrest in Connecticut highlights concerns about safety of children online

A former law enforcement officer turned safety expert explained how to protect kids while they use social media or gaming systems. SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. — After a recent arrest in Connecticut involving possession of child sexual abuse material, a former law enforcement officer offered advice Tuesday on how to protect kids while they use social media […]

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Recent arrest in Connecticut highlights concerns about safety of children online

A former law enforcement officer turned safety expert explained how to protect kids while they use social media or gaming systems.

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. — After a recent arrest in Connecticut involving possession of child sexual abuse material, a former law enforcement officer offered advice Tuesday on how to protect kids while they use social media or gaming systems.

On July 19, Connecticut State Police arrested Daniel Lowell, 63, of Norwich after a year-long investigation uncovered more than 400 images of child sex abuse materials inside his home.

Scott Driscoll, a formal law enforcement officer who investigated internet crimes against children, said he’s seen cases like this too many times.

“It just fuels my passion on trying to prevent it, because what I saw as an adult made me go ‘wow,’ and now we’re going back 22 to years when I started,” Driscoll said.

He also addressed a concerning trend he said has stuck with him all these years.

“It was shocking how quickly someone would send an inappropriate picture, ask for an inappropriate picture,” he said.

Driscoll encouraged parents who have kids that use personal devices and go on social media to keep close tabs on what they’re doing online.

“Parents need an active role, and it’s not easy, but it’s something that is very important. We’ve got to keep instilling in our children, if you don’t know someone, they are a stranger,” he said.

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Driscoll offered a number of ways parents can monitor their child’s social media and online habits. These include:

  • Understanding how technology works
  • Considering family pairing on social media
  • Setting an appropriate age limit for children to be on social media
  • Talking to kids about what is going on in their lives

Emily Pacheco said her eight-year-old son has started learning online safety at his school.

“He comes home and lets me know you can’t chat with people you don’t know online, you can’t friend people you don’t know online so it’s really good they teach him that,” Pachesco said.

Robert Young said he’s constantly monitoring his niece’s and nephew’s devices.

“I’m always very skeptical about what they are watching and what they are looking at and I’m always taking their tablets and making sure like, ‘I want you to go outside.’ If I can be with you, I feel like you’re safe with me. So yeah, I’m always watching them,” Young said.

Driscoll said the best apps for kids are ones that do not have messaging abilities.

Kaye Paddyfote is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at kpaddyfote@fox61.com. Follow her on X and Instagram.

RELATED: Connecticut man arrested after troopers uncover 400 files of child sexual abuse material

MORE NEWS: Father arrested in New York in death of 9-year-old daughter he had reported missing

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