November 27, 2012 | by Staff Writer

XC Runner Angie Fuentes Recognized (Photos & Video)

Image of Angie Fuentes, Seneca Valley High School, cross-country runner

Angie Fuentes holds her proclamation, alongside her mom Karla (left), Coach Jordana Ashe (right), Athletic Director Jesse Irvin (behind her), Principal Marc Cohen (right) and Council member Craig Rice (far right).

Junior Angie Fuentes is a Seneca Valley High School cross country runner, who can not see. But she doesn’t let blindness get in her way.

Fuentes has competed at cross country meets this year with great support from her school, teammates and competitors. She is believed to be the only blind high school cross country runner in the area that has taken advantage of the Maryland state rule that schools must provide students with disabilities equal opportunities to participate in mainstream sports as long as the accommodation does not change the character of the sport or pose a safety hazard.

On Nov. 27, the Montgomery County Council honored Fuentes with a proclamation for her accomplishments competing for her school’s cross country team through the aid of a guide runner who connects with her via a baton.

The upbeat Fuentes lit up the room with her smile when she first stepped in front of the microphone, stating she did not know what to say.

Fuentes then thanked everyone for their support and said she was proud of herself too.

After the proclamation, we learned she was considering trying out for the school’s wrestling team but then decided against it.

It is easy to see, she’s an inspiration and her future is bright.

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Here are some scenes from Fuentes’ morning in the Council chambers, which began with a television interview with County Cable Montgomery’s (CCM) Susan Kenedy.