State champion Westford Academy cross country team welcomed to State House
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and State Rep. James Arciero pose for a photo alongside the Westford Academy girls' cross country team at the State House in February. (Massachusetts Governor's Press Office photo)
Published by Lowell Sun
Press release
March 10, 2025
WESTFORD — Westford Academy’s cross country program’s historic season recently got a little bit sweeter.
State Rep. James Arciero and state Sen. John Cronin joined Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in welcoming the Westford Academy girls’ cross country team and Westford Academy senior Jack Graffeo to the corner office during a visit to the Massachusetts State House last month.
The team — alongside WA cross country coaches Phil Archambault, Paul Hajjar, Scott Hafferkamp and WA Athletic Director Jeff Bunyon — received an official tour of the Massachusetts House and Senate Chambers prior to meeting with Driscoll and attending a lunch hosted by the legislators in recognition of their historic 2024 season.
The Westford Academy girls’ cross country team won the 2024 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 1 State Championship, the program’s first in school history. The team was joined by Graffeo, who won the individual 2024 MIAA Division 1 State Championship — the third in a row for Westford Academy in the category.
“It’s a great honor to host the Westford Academy Girls Cross Country team and Westford Senior Jack Graffeo to celebrate their historical season and the continued success of athletics here in Westford and across Massachusetts,” Arciero said. “State sanctioned athletics provide our students with lifelong confidence, healthy exercise, a strong work ethic and dedication to excellence that they will carry into their futures.”
“The entire Westford community can take pride in the accomplishments of this incredible group of student athletes,” Cronin said. “Their success on and off the field is a testament to their dedication and countless hours of hard work. I’m proud to have been able to recognize them for their outstanding season and look forward to the lasting impact they will have on our community.”