A Haverhill sophomore attending Central Catholic High School was recognized by the Massachusetts State Senate Tuesday for her two years of Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field success.
Katharine Duren, a sophomore hurdler, broke the meet and school records Saturday during the Merrimack Valley Conference championship. She won in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.57 seconds, state Sen. Diana DiZoglio told her State House colleagues.
“Katharine is one of the brightest athletic stars in the Merrimack Valley,” said DiZoglio, who invited Duren to the State House for a celebration in her honor. “Her impressive dedication has served her and her fellow Raiders well and it is my hope that she continues her success collegiately at the highest level in the coming years.”
Duren received a standing ovation in the Senate Chamber after receiving an official citation in honor of her accomplishment.
This past February, Duren won the Division II indoor state championship in the 55-meter hurdles, setting a regional and school record of 8.35 seconds—a week after she broke the previous school record at the Merrimack Valley Conference indoor championship with a time of 8.43 seconds en route to receiving All-Conference honors.
Duren was accompanied at the State House by her parents David and Khristine, sister Janessa and grandfather, David.
“It was an honor to be there today, representing my school,” said Duren. “It was really fun and I especially enjoyed being there with my family. They’re my biggest supporters.”