Each spring, the upcoming graduates of St. Regis High School must accomplish a senior project to receive their diplomas in May. One senior is working diligently to see her project come to fruition, one grain of sand at a time. 

Shylah Dalka has been involved in sports from a young age, so when it came time to brainstorm a senior project, both hoops and nets came to mind. 

She shared, “When I first was thinking about what I could do for it, I was struggling. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. I just knew that I wanted to do something that I could relate to.” 

At first, she considered a new basketball court at the community park. But then she figured the two at the school grounds are used well enough. 

Dalka stated, “Then I was thinking about what could be more park friendly. This is when I thought of the sand volleyball court.” 

She continued, “I wanted something that we can move and take down for when people need space at the park. This sand volleyball is perfect for it. We can remove the poles and net and it can be used for other activities that people come up with.” 

The volleyball court would be placed where a previous ice rink was on the east side of the park, near the smallest older patio. 

Dalka said, “It's going to be right in front of where the light pole is so people can play when it’s dark.” 

She expressed, “My vision for this project is to create an activity to bring our community together. This can be used for tournaments, just like how our baseball fields were used. I want this court to be able to not only help bring our community together, but it allows people to enjoy the park more.” 

In her planning, she is currently working on the layout phase. Dalka said, “I know the dimensions, but I have to get my mentor, Glenn Koepke, to help me mark out the court, and then I am also working on getting the sand and the proper equipment. We need to dig about an inch farther down into the ground; then once we get the sand and equipment, we can lay out the sand.”

Her biggest hurdle currently is financial support. 

Dalka detailed, “I unfortunately do not have enough money to be able to get the poles and net that I need for this.” 

Her goal is to raise around $1500. Dalka is exploring to see if she can get the sand donated through a family connection. Her uncle has some machinery that can be used to unload and spread the sand once it arrives. 

Dalka conveyed, “My hope for this project is not only for me to complete high school but also to provide an activity that can be used by everyone and that people can use for multiple occasions.”

Dalka’s plans after graduation are to pursue a career in a sports field. And with roughly a month left to finish her senior project, she is optimistic. 

Dalka shared, “When my sand volleyball court is finished, I can see myself coming back and playing on it, especially this summer when me and my friends want to do something but don't know what to do.” 

To donate toward this project, reach out to Shylah Dalka via the St. Regis School.