CHICOPEE — Rain or shine, home or away this fall, seniors Emalie Mendes and Lauren Galica could be found in the announcing booth at Szot Park.

They’ve been announcing Chicopee High School boys’ soccer games since their sophomore and junior years respectively, emphasizing that it has made them feel more connected to their school community.

The girls’ last game announcing was Chicopee’s MIAA Division III state tournament Round of 16 game against Hanover last month.

After getting involved with this opportunity, Mendes started doing the “Friday shoutouts” at school, announcing students nominated for them by teachers and other classmates.

Mendes was asked by boys soccer head coach Hugo Destapado to take up the role for her sophomore year. Destapado has known her for most of her life, as the

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