Cella McLaughlin, a senior at Corning-Painted Post High School, was recognized June 16 for her achievements in track and field, according to a community announcement.
State Sen. Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano visited the school to present a legislative resolution honoring McLaughlin’s recent state championship win in the 55-meter hurdles at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Indoor Track & Field Championships.
McLaughlin won her second consecutive state championship in the 55-meter hurdles at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island in March. She has also won three other state championships: the 2025 Girls Outdoor Track & Field 100-meter hurdles, the 2026 Girls Outdoor Track & Field 100-meter hurdles and long jump.
She holds eight school records and six Section 4 records in indoor and outdoor track and field events.
O’Mara and Palmesano presented a legislative resolution (J02275/K01493) during a ceremony in the school cafeteria.
“The Corning-Painted Post school district has a long and proud history of athletic excellence, competition, and achievement,” O’Mara and Palmesano said in a joint statement. “We appreciate this opportunity to congratulate and pay tribute to Cella McLaughlin as one of the school’s most accomplished and highly decorated champions. It’s an opportunity to recognize and honor her dedication, excellence, hard work, perseverance, and success.
“She is among the very best of our region’s remarkable student athletes who help our school communities stand out. They represent inspiring stories and are a source of enormous pride to the entire Corning-Painted Post school district, as well as to their families and friends, the community at large, and our entire region.”
The resolution reads, in part, “Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride, and accomplishment, and Cella McLaughlin has clearly contributed to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of her school.”
Michelle Caulfield, superintendent of Corning-Painted Post School District, said McLaughlin “embodies the very best of what we strive for in Hawk Nation – true sportsmanship.”
“She consistently demonstrates support for her fellow athletes and her attitude and character make her an outstanding representative of our high school and athletic program,” Caulfield said. “We are incredibly proud of all that she has accomplished and look forward to watching all that she will achieve in the future.”
Rebecca Gentile, director of athletics, said McLaughlin’s success is a testament to the hard work, grit and commitment to excellence that define the school’s athletics program.
“Cella has made a lasting impact on Hawks Nation, and while she will be greatly missed, we are excited to cheer her on as she continues her academic and athletic career at the University of Pittsburgh,” Gentile said.
Head coach Ray Lawson described McLaughlin as “a fierce competitor, goal oriented, and willing to do the training to achieve her goals.”
“She is always quick to congratulate her competitors and to compete in any events needed to best help her team,” Lawson said.
Assistant coach Tom Ketchum said McLaughlin is “the top sprint/hurdles/jumps athlete in track and field we have seen in this area.”
“In addition to her tremendous talent, she is a great teammate, demonstrates excellent sportsmanship, and is a good role model for younger athletes,” Ketchum said.
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This article originally appeared on The Leader: Cella McLaughlin of Corning-Painted Post honored for track achievement
