2016 Rhode Island Scholar Athlete

A special supplement to The newport Daily News, the Independent and East Bay Newspapers

2 May 2016

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: Guest speaker Tim Wakefield

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im Wakefield, a retired right-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, is considered by many to be one of the greatest knuckleball pitchers to have ever played the game. He is respected as much for his work off the field as he is for his accomplishments on the field. Wakefield’s dependability, durability and kind heart made him a fan favorite in Boston.

Wakefield signed with the Red Sox in 1995, won 16 games that season and was honored as the American League Comeback Player of the Year. He helped the Red Sox win the 2004 World Series title, the first for Boston in 86 years.

Three years later, he won a career-high 17 games as a part of the 2007 championship team and was selected for his first All-Star game during the 2009 season.

On May 19 — four days after the Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Award banquet — he will be inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

Wakefield’s longevity and consistency helped him quietly become one of the top pitchers in the history of Boston’s franchise. He is ranked second all-time in strikeouts, first in innings pitched and games started and third in wins.

On Feb. 17, 2012, Wakefield announced his retirement from baseball. Currently an analyst for NESN, he is the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation and a special assignment instructor within the team’s baseball operations.

A supporter of the Jimmy Fund and the DanaFarber Cancer Institute, Wakefield in 2010 won the Roberto Clemente Award, which is given to the MLB player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team.”

“Every time I walk out to the mound and see that Jimmy Fund emblem out on the Green Monster, I am reminded of the special role the team has played in helping fight cancer since Ted Williams visited with patients at Dana-Farber back in the 1950s,” Wakefield said.

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners

May 2016 3

FALL SPORTS Tess Amore, East Providence Junior, Tennis As the captain of the girls tennis team, Amore is a leader for the Townies on and off the court.

“She is very experienced, and (tennis) is very important to her,” coach Kathy Dias said of Amore. “She gets very involved and is really, really fun to watch.”

Amore is a top-10 student in her class with a 93.143 grade average.

Amore is active in the community, volunteering with the Townie Volunteer Corps and R.I. HOBY Ambassador and serving as an afterschool tutor at the Robert L. Bailey, IV Elementary School. She also offers her time to the St. Mark’s youth group.

Amore earned first-team all-division honors in the fall for her play on the tennis court.

Kayla Barbera, Prout Junior, Volleyball Barbera led the way for a pair of Prout playoff teams in the fall and winter, transitioning from sophomore contributor to junior standout.

On the volleyball team, her ability to hit and block at the net was a weapon for the Crusaders, who went 9-8 in Division I and hung tough against the state’s best teams. Barbera paced the Crusaders in their most impressive win, notching seven kills in an upset of eventual state runner-up North Kingstown early in the regular season.

On the same court, Barbera moved on to basketball and continued her emergence. She averaged a teambest 14 points per game and notched several double-doubles. She had 16 points in Prout’s playoff loss to Cumberland.

In addition to her time on the court, Barbera is a student ambassador and a member of the Spanish Club and the Art Club. She plays basketball in the off-season for the Lady Cyclones AAU program, and volunteers at the Narragansett Shooting Stars Basketball Camp and a summer camp at Christ the King Church.

Noelle Cooke, Barrington Junior, Volleyball Winning titles and earning strong grades are just part of the package for Cooke.

In addition to playing for championship volleyball teams at Barrington, Cooke has also found time to be a contributing member of the BAYouth Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions and the East Bay Tobacco Council.

But that’s not all — she plays piano, is captain of the East Bay Rowing Club team and also maintains a 4.17 GPA. Cooke helped the girls volleyball team win the Division II championship in 2014 and 2015, with both teams going undefeated.

A third-team all-division performer, she was captain of her high school team in 2015 and twice has served as captain of the Blast, her club team.

Zach de Wardener, Narragansett Junior, Football In a challenging season — like the one the Narragansett Independent file photo football team experienced — players Nathan Chofay (11) of Prout plows through a pair of Toll Gate defenders during a game last fall. who stay positive, stick with it and battle daily are crucial. Coach Chris Lussier knew he had one of those Mars Bishop, Nathan Chofay, Prout players in deWardener.

Junior, Soccer Barrington “Zach is a great kid,” Lussier said.

A core of talented juniors took Junior, Cross Country “He’s one of those kids that makes center stage for the Prout boys Running is more than just a coaching easy. He is a leader by soccer team in the fall, and Chofay hobby for Mars Bishop — it’s a example. He works hard in practice, played the leading role.

The midfielder passion. never complains, and is always willing was a mainstay at both ends for the The junior has established Crusaders, earning all-division honors to do what’s best for the team.” himself as one of the top competitors on and leading the team to the Division II playoffs.

DeWardener lined up at defensive the track in the state. He is a 2015 indoor back and running back for the Chofay is also a strong student, ranking in the top track state champion in the 600 meters and Mariners. Off the field, he carries 40 of the junior class. He is involved with Students holds five school track and field records at a 4.0 GPA, is a member of Varsity Against Destructive Decisions and the school’s Barrington: the 600, the 1,500, the indoor mile, Athletes Against Substance Abuse Ambassador Club. He also is a volunteer with the the outdoor mile and he’s a member of the and volunteers with the middle Play Big Basketball Camp and has participated in record-setting 4x800 relay team. school theater program, the Lions the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Leadership While those accolades are impressive on their Conference.

Club and the CVS Charity Classic. He own, Bishop has combined them with stellar also plays golf and runs track for the “He’s a great kid — very positive, very enthusiastic performances in the classroom. Maintaining a Mariners. and just loves being part of the soccer team,” Prout 3.48 GPA, he is president of the Chinese Club “His work ethic on the field is soccer coach Tim Ryan said. “Practice isn’t a burden and a member of the Chain Reaction Club. equal to his behavior inside the for him. He’s one of the first kids out there and one Bishop competes in both indoor and outdoor of the last to leave. He enjoys every minute of it. He’s classroom,” Lussier said. “He is a a great team player and a great asset for the Prout track and field and is captain of the cross tremendous student, which makes athletic community.” him an outstanding student-athlete.” country team.

4 May 2016

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“Juliana is an extremely dedicated and driven student who reflects on her work and is willing to question herself in order to further her understanding,” softball coach Lauren Dunbar said of DiMeglio, who is taking three AP courses.

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“Juliana is very interested in science and technology,” Dunbar said. “She has pushed herself to be involved in any opportunity to learn about engineering.”

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Samuel Forden, Mt. Hope Junior, Football As a dominating force on the football field, Forden leads his team through great effort and dedication.

With a GPA of 3.54, he was named an academic all-star 2015 and earned a spot on the academic all-state football team in 2014 and 2015. Forden was tabbed second team all-division in 2014, as well as Most Improved Player in 2014.

Because of his will to push himself to perform, Forden was the recipient of the Coaches Choice Award in 2015.

He spends his time volunteering at the Bridgepoint Christian Church, where he works with young children. Forden participates in many activities, including the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, the “Yes Program,” and the Down Under Sports football team, and he is also a proud member of the USA football team for his age division.

He is part of the indoor track and lacrosse teams at the high school. In 2014, he received the Academic AllStar award for baseball. As a result of his love for sports, Forden interns at a sports medicine clinic.

Mount Hope sophomore Caroline Parker, who maintains a GPA of 3.66, was named the MVP of the tennis team this past season.

She was honored as the Most Improved Player on the swim team in 2014.

East Bay file photo

Christine Goglia, Narragansett Junior, Tennis The Narragansett girls tennis team had several tough acts to follow last season. The Mariners in 2013 won the Division II championship and the 2014 squad went 12-1 and reached the semifinals. With players like Goglia taking on bigger roles, the Mariners still kept the bar high, going 10-3 and qualifying for the playoffs.

Goglia played in several spots on the singles ladder and held her own with a 7-6 record in the regular season. Her twin sister, Katelyn, was also a key contributor.

“You’d love to have 10 or 12 of them,” coach Peter Barlow said.

Goglia puts in the work off the court, too. She ranks second in the junior class with a 5.43 weighted GPA. She serves as the secretary of the world languages club and is a member of the World Languages Honor Society, the National Honor Society and Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse. Outside the classroom, Goglia is a religious education teacher and an algebra tutor. She was a CSPAN Student Cam Documentary winner.

This spring, Goglia is back in a Mariner uniform for the golf team.

Mackenzie Grenier, Bay View Junior, Soccer Grenier leads by example both on and off the soccer field. Her hard work and dedication have paid off, resulting in a weighted 5.03 GPA. That places her in the top 10 percent of her class.

She volunteers at a summer reading program at East Greenwich Public Library. Grenier participates in various extracurricular activities at the school, such as the math team and the golf team. She is a member of “Habitat for Humanity,” creating awareness for the need to build affordable housing for low-income families.

She advocates for her school community through the Ambassadors Club, and serves on the Executive board of the student government. She is an active member of the Athletic Leadership Council, striving to make improvements to the athletic programs. She holds positions on the history, math and Spanish honor societies and the National Honor Society.

Grenier was awarded the Future Leader Award at last year’s athletic banquet.

On top of all her athletic, academic and leadership achievements, she also received an award for her artistic ability. Grenier was chosen to represent Bay View Academy at the HOBY State Leadership Conference last year and she was also selected to represent her school at the START New England Leadership Conference in 2014.

May 2016 5

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners Mariah Haskell, Middletown Sophomore, soccer Haskell clearly hasn’t had a problem finding a balance between school and sports. She also takes on other extracurricular activities.

“Mariah is more than just good grades and athletic ability, of course. She is also an actress, demonstrating her creativity both in and out of the classroom,” said Lee-Ann Wells, Haskell’s 10th-grade honors world literature teacher.

“Not only does she come up with imaginative ways to show her learning in her work, but she also participates in the drama program.

She has been earning lead roles in school productions since her freshman year.”

Haskell is ranked No. 1 in her class with a 4.0 GPA. “Mariah is an excellent, wellrounded student-athlete. She is a hard worker and challenges herself with honors-level classes,” Wells said. “Overall, I cannot say enough about Mariah Haskell. She is intelligent, kind and talented.”

Bryce Ingram, East Greenwich Junior, Soccer Ingram is described as helpful, a leader, a problem solver and analytical, and those qualities helped him deliver a strong season for the boys soccer team.

“Bryce provided strong, quiet leadership as a junior on last year’s East Greenwich soccer team,” coach Patrick McGuirl said.

“He was versatile enough to play midfield, in the back or up front.

His biggest asset is his ability to control play in the midfield and to distribute the ball to his teammates. He has already been contacted by some very good Division II schools.”

Ingram earned all-division honors this past season after helping lead the Avengers to a 6-4-4 record.

It was a second straight solid showing for the Avengers, who had moved up to Division I before the 2014 campaign.

Off the field, Ingram excels in math and science and aspires to attend a top technical college in the region while continuing his soccer career.

Heidi Kiser, Tiverton Junior, soccer A three-sport standout, Kiser has shown a willingness to work to make herself better in her athletic endeavors, as well as her academic pursuits.

“Heidi was a player who started off as a freshman with a very limited basketball skill set and kind of built herself up,” girls basketball coach Doug Walker said. “By the time she finished her junior year, she was pretty much a regular starter for me, and if she wasn’t starting, she played a lot of minutes.”

Kiser’s math teacher, Michelle Bennett, said that work ethic carries over into the classroom, where Kiser has shown tremendous growth this year. Kiser has a GPA of 3.0 and is ranked 38th in her class.

“Heidi is a hard-working young lady, especially in her math class,” Bennett said. “She is a class leader, always lending a hand where needed.”

Added Walker: “Everything I’ve heard is that she’s just a perfect kid in the classroom.”

Ellie Lawler, South Kingstown Sophomore, Cross Country A repeat Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Award winner, Lawler has seen her hardware collection grow in many other ways, too. The sophomore runner won the state cross country championship, finished second at the New England championship, qualified for Foot Locker nationals with a top finish at regionals and earned All-American honors at the national race in San Diego. After the season, Lawler was named Rhode Island’s Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year.

In the midst of the breakout campaign, South Kingstown coach Sherry Hathaway found herself marveling at Lawler’s performances.

“She just runs so poised,” Hathaway said.

She’s also running track this spring. Away from the competition, Lawler is a class officer, a volunteer at a local nursing home and carries a straight-A average.

Jacob Maguire, North Kingstown Junior, Cross Country The cross country trails during the fall season were just the first steps in another busy school year for Maguire, one of the top students in the junior class at North Kingstown.

For the cross country squad, Maguire chipped in during the dual-meet season as the Skippers went 12-0 and won the Southern Division championship. In the postseason, Maguire ran for the Skippers at the junior varsity state meet.

Away from the course, Maguire’s fall also included a big achievement — earning the rank of Eagle Scout in October.

Ranked second in his class, Maguire is also a class officer, an award-winning writer for the Current Wave student newspaper and a member of the theater program. Sisters Maddie and Meghann are also Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Award winners.

Maddie Maguire, North Kingstown Junior, Field Hockey The heroics in North Kingstown’s surprising run to the field hockey state championship came in the form of late goals in the semifinals and the championship game, but the victories wouldn’t have been possible without all the shots that were stopped at the other end.

Maguire made those saves as the team’s goalie and was at her best just as Skippers were peaking.

She made a whopping 15 saves in a semifinal win over top-seeded Barrington. With her team playing confidently and pushing forward against Moses Brown, Maguire didn’t need to make as many saves to keep the title game scoreless.

She stopped all three shots she saw, paving the way for a goal in the final minute that gave North Kingstown a 1-0 win and the championship.

Beyond her field hockey exploits, Maguire is also involved in several NEW S240and SPORT extracurricular activities ranks 17th in the junior class.

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Junior, soccer Nicholas has shown he is a strong student on the soccer field as well as the classroom. He maintains a 3.5 GPA and is ranked 18th in his class.

“He’s a great kid, very coachable, works hard, and he’s a coaches dream to have, because he doesn’t talk back, he just does what you need him to. And I think that’s part of why he’s successful in the classroom,” boys soccer coach Tom Murray said of Nicholas. “He’s a pretty smart kid. He adapts well because he doesn’t second guess. If I say something, he gets it right off the bat and adapts pretty quickly.”

That adaptability proved to be key for the Tigers last fall.

“He has very good foot skills, but I also utilized him, because of his speed, on the outside midfield to help out the defense,” Murray said. “He’s in great shape, and he can go up and down the field.”

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Sophomore, Tennis Through her service, extracurricular activities, academics and athletics, Parker is the epitome of a student-athlete. She carries a GPA of 3.66 and received the MVP award for tennis, as well as the postseason all-division award in 2015.

Around the holiday season, Parker creates Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets with the Interact Community Service Club. She serves her community by providing breakfast to others at her local church, St. Mary’s in Bristol. Parker’s athleticism allowed her to claim spots on the lacrosse and swim teams as well.

Because of her hard-working mentality, Parker was presented the Most Improved Player during the 2014 swim season.

Kyla Shea, Portsmouth Junior, soccer Something of a cerebral player on the soccer field, Shea doesn’t allow much to get to her, according to Portsmouth coach Jim Blaess.

“There was only one time where I looked at her face before a game and she had that look like, ‘What can I expect when I go out there?’ She looked kind of panicked,” Blaess said.

That one game was the state championship game in 2014, when Shea was a sophomore and the Patriots beat La Salle for the title.

“You could tell she was really nervous. But other than that, she is a very calm and deliberate player,” Blaess added. “The center (midfield) position she played for us takes a lot to manage. You’re constantly transitioning from offense to defense, and her ability to manage that just shows a high level of thinking and decision making.”

Shea had a 3.8 GPA and is enrolled in three AP courses this year. She also is the junior class treasurer.

Junior, Tennis Sheinin burst onto the scene barely two months into her high school career when she captured the state singles championship as a freshman.

With a game that exceeds her small stature, she hasn’t left the throne since, winning the title as a sophomore and this past fall as a junior. She’ll try to become a fourtime champion next fall.

Along the way, her sportsmanship and willingness to be a team player — qualities that come naturally to her — have made her incredible journey even more special.

“If one were to design the perfect athlete, who combines physical prowess and success with all the finer tenets of what true sportsmanship is all about, it would look very much like Peri Sheinin,” tennis coach Marc Brocato said.

Sheinin’s latest title run was also part of a big year for her team, as the Avengers went 13-0 and finished as state runner-up. Sheinin wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Peri is so humble and selfdeprecating in every way, always deflecting her well-deserved attention to the team,” Brocato said.

Jonathan Sherman, South Kingstown Sophomore, Soccer When Sherman won a Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Award last year, he was an emerging freshman who had forced his way into the South Kingstown varsity soccer lineup. Now, as he receives the award again, Sherman already is a mainstay for the Rebels.

He was the second-leading scorer for the team during a big fall season, tallying seven goals and four assists as the Rebels finished as state runner-up. He had both of the team’s goals in a 2-1 semifinal win that sent the Rebels to the title game for the first time since 2007.

Sherman has earned all-division honors in each of first two years of high school soccer. He also plays at the club level for Rams FC. A strong student, Sherman volunteers at Relay for Life.

May 2016 7

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners John Stack, Portsmouth

Nathan Silveira, East Providence Junior, soccer Silveira led the Townies on the soccer field in the fall and is doing so again on the baseball diamond this spring.

As a second-team all-division goalie, Silveira helped lead East Providence to the 2015 playoffs.

He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society and carries a 89.882 grade average.

He spends time volunteering at the high school, helping to refurbish the tennis courts and repair the baseball field. He is also an active referee for youth soccer.

Chris Smith, Middletown Junior, Football Smith had a breakout year on the football field, accumulating 800 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. He also carries a 3.582 GPA and is ranked 32nd in his class of 149.

“Chris Smith excels both on the field and in the classroom. He has a diligence and desire to succeed,” Middletown English teacher John Cunic said. “Chris has the right attitude and deep desire to further his education because it matters to him. Chris is highly reliable and dependable. He can be trusted and depended on, both from teachers and his peers, to get things done.”

Next fall, the football team almost certainly will lean on Smith, who was chosen for The Newport Daily News AllCounty team as a junior.

“He’ll be one of the bright spots coming back,” football coach Arthur Bell said.

Sophomore, soccer The sophomore class president was a firstyear varsity player on the boys soccer team in the fall, and he worked his way onto the field.

“He has what I would say is probably one of the best throws in the state, and that in and of itself is a weapon,” assistant coach Scott Sullivan said. “He’s a strong kid and a smart player.”

Stack carries a 3.8 GPA and is enrolled in one AP course.

“There’s not many better kids. He’s polite, respectful, does everything right on the field and off the field,” Sullivan said.

“He’s active in the school, active in the community, social events, gives back to the community. … He’s the kid you hope for. He’s the one you want your daughter to bring home.”

Anthony Stohr, Rogers Junior, cross country Stohr wasn’t a natural when he began his high school athletics career, but he worked to get better.

“Tony is an extremely hard worker,” boys track coach Andrew Martucci said. “He didn’t start off the greatest athlete as a freshman, but he saw other kids in the state running and told himself he’s not going to let those guys beat him much longer.”

Stohr is ranked second in his class — trailing only track teammate Michael Garvey — and maintains a 4.82 GPA. “I made him a captain because the team listens to him,” Martucci said. “He’s able to understand what you’re saying, and he can relate it to other kids who might not grasp what I’m trying to say.”

Daily News file photo

Rogers junior Anthony Stohr navigates the trail during a race in Jamestown last fall. Stohr is ranked No. 2 in his class with a 4.82 GPA.

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8 May 2016

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners

WINTER SPORTS Megan Bodziony, South Kingstown

Grace Coutu, Barrington

Freshman, Basketball It was easy to forget that Bodziony was a freshman, but by the end of this past season, she sure didn’t play like one.

“The thing about Megan, every once in a while, I would tell her, ‘Now you’re a sophomore. Now you’re a junior.’ I think she’s a senior now,” Rebels coach Amanda Varone said during the playoffs.

The moment that prompted that comment came in the state tournament opener, when Bodziony hit the game-winning shot to cap a dramatic comeback. Bodziony also came up big for the Rebels in the quarterfinals, scoring 18 points in an overtime win over Bay View. The Rebels went on to beat Coventry in the semifinals before falling to La Salle in the championship game.

Bodziony’s presence helped the Rebels get to that point a year after going 4-14. She was the team’s second-leading scorer at 8.8 points per game.

Bodziony is a member of the student council, Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse, South Kingstown Partnership for Prevention and the student advisory club.

Jimmy Burke, Prout Junior, Hockey Burke’s two sports are vastly different — he goes from cold ice rinks and intense hockey action in the winter to the green grass and refined world of golf in the spring. But Burke’s impact is similar.

He’s an all-division performer in both and a captain for both Crusader squads.

In the winter, Burke led Prout to an 8-10 season and an appearance in the Division I-Eccleston semifinals, where it nearly knocked off eventual champion Burrillville. Burke anchored the defense for the Crusaders, but also chipped in at the offensive end, scoring five goals and dishing out five assists.

This spring, Burke is leading the charge for the golf team a year after placing 19th at the state tournament.

Burke has a 4.2 GPA and is a member of the math team.

He serves as a math tutor, a student ambassador and an international student mentor. He is a recipient of a Rotary Club Youth Leadership Award and a member of the National Honor Society.

Elliot Charron, East Providence Junior, indoor track Charron participates with the school’s cross country and track teams, earning the 2015 cross country Townie Award. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Charon caries a 3.7 GPA and is a top-20 student in his class.

He volunteers with the Bruno United FC and Doornetwork, a faith-based network of cities that provides opportunities for service, learning and leadership development within the urban context. He also enjoys playing the piano.

East Bay file photo

Grace Couto, a junior forward, led Barrington to the girls basketball open state tournament this past season while earning first-team all-state honors.

She is also a star in the classroom, carrying a GPA of 3.74.

Finnian Duncan, Narragansett Junior, Basketball Duncan played a key role as an inside presence for the Division III champion Mariners in 2015. This past season, she took on a bigger role and crucial leadership duties for a crop of young talent.

The result was a team that didn’t miss a beat. Despite losing almost all of their scoring from the championship team to graduation, the Mariners went 14-3, made the Division III semifinals and qualified for the state tournament for the second year in a row.

While a group of freshmen picked up the scoring load, Duncan was a strong defender and rebounder in the paint, and her leadership role came easily. Off the court, Duncan is the junior class president.

Ranking fifth in her class, she’s also a member of the National Honor Society and the World Languages Honor Society. She volunteers as a soccer coach and an algebra tutor and has made service trips to Peru and the Dominican Republic.

Junior, Basketball She’s one of the top high school basketball players in the state and one of the top students in her class.

Coutu has been a member of the girls varsity basketball team since she was a freshman and racking up awards ever since. She was selected all-state honorable mention in ninth grade. As a sophomore, she earned secondteam all-division, second-team allstate and USA Today Second Team honors, and this past year was named first team all-division and first team all-state.

Additionally, Coutu has maintained a 3.74 GPA while serving as a member on the Spanish Club, the Environmental Club, the student council, the unified basketball and team and the SADD/BAYouth Club.

When she’s not playing basketball or getting great grades at school, Coutu volunteers her time at the East Providence Senior Center, assists with the Barrington Youth Basketball program and works at the Sowams Elementary School Octoberfest fundraiser.

Stephen Gacioch, Tiverton Junior, basketball Whether it’s on the football or baseball fields or basketball court, Gacioch shows a great deal of intensity.

That trait carries over into his schoolwork.

“He is and has always been an intense, focused and determined young man. This is his personality on and off the field,” said Lynn Nicholas, his guidance counselor.

“Stephen is a strong leader, one that will lead by example and has high expectations of his teammates.

He expects 100 percent from others, only because he is giving 110 percent.”

Tiverton boys basketball coach Dave Landoch, who has Gacioch in his history class, agreed with those sentiments. “Stephen, as a player on the court or as a student in the classroom, is one to always give his best,” Landoch said. “He is always looking for ways to be a better player and student.”

Gacioch maintains a 4.0 GPA and is ranked No. 4 in the junior class.

May 2016 9

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners J.T. Gibbons, South Kingstown

Keegan Hanley, Mt. Hope

Junior, Hockey Gibbons is a versatile hockey player, and his willingness to use that versatility has been a key in South Kingstown’s emergence as a contender in Division II. As a freshman, he played defense.

Last year, when the Rebels finished as D-II runner-up, he held down a spot up front and was one of the team’s top scorers. And this past season, as the Rebels shook off significant graduation losses to make the playoffs again, Gibbons started the year on defense, moved up to forward to provide some offensive punch and ended up as the team’s top scorer with 15 goals and 13 assists.

In Gibbons’ transitions from one end of the ice to the other, coach Ed Curran saw a player willing to do whatever the team needed.

“He’s been one of our go-to guys and a team leader,” Curran said. “You just hope you get kids like him, because it makes a big difference.”

Off the ice, Gibbons ranks in the top 20 in the junior class and participates in the National Honor Society, Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse and the freshman mentoring program. He also plays soccer for the Rebels and for Rams FC and is an alldivision performer in outdoor track.

Freshman, Hockey As a freshman, Hanley is a member of both the hockey and lacrosse teams.

He takes pride in his studies and carries a GPA of 3.56. Outside of sports and academics, Hanley is an influential member of the school’s Executive Board. He considers the ideas the student body presents and he proposes them to higher authority figures at the school.

For community service, Hanley gives back by taking on the role of a referee during hockey games for players with disabilities.

Jake Horoho, East Greenwich Independent file photo

J.T. Gibbons was the top scorer for South Kingstown this season.

Ryan Gross, Middletown Junior, basketball Trying to keep up in a calculus class can be difficult for students who are there every day. Gross has missed significant time but is holding his own.

“Ryan was out sick for most of the first quarter, however he was able to overcome the impact that absences have on most students and is doing very well this year,” Gross’ math teacher, Wendy Dwyer, said.

Dwyer’s class is considered a senior-level course, but Gross continues to prove he belongs. “He is very outgoing and has the ability to work well with the seniors in his class,” Dwyer said.

As a senior, Gross will move on to take AP calculus. He has a 3.608 grade point average and is ranked 29th in his class of 149.

Junior, Hockey Horoho is a two-time all-division selection, a three-year starter in goal and in the mind of Sean Fahey, one of the best student-athletes he’s coached in his 25 years on the bench.

That opinion was solidified after a 4-2 loss this past season, when Horoho unintentionally motivated the team.

“Jake once had over 60 saves in a 4-2 loss to Cumberland, keeping the game at 2-1 through two periods,” Fahey said.

“After the loss, he told his teammates he should have done better. This simple statement had an effect on his teammates in that if the best player on the ice and having a truly great performance can do better, well they better start working harder.”

Horoho, who posted a 1.95 goals against average, will be missed next year as he heads to prep school. It’s a move that Fahey said “is supported by his coaches and teammates, as it is time to move up to the next level.”

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10 May 2016

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners Patricia Hurley, East Providence

Junior, Basketball A two-sport star, Hurley excels on both the basketball and volleyball courts for the Townies.

As a third-team all-division volleyball player, Hurley is a Scholar Leader Award recipient for her dedication to athletics, academics and the school community.

She carries an 89.971 grade average and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Hurley volunteers in the community at the East Providence Food Pantry, with classes at her church and with the Cox Providence 5K.

Hayden Ivatts, Barrington Junior, indoor track Throughout his high school career at Barrington, Ivatts has clocked faster and faster times in track and cross country. He has also established himself as a standout student and committed volunteer.

In the classroom, Hayden maintains a 3.7 GPA while participating on student council and the championship debate team.

He has volunteered countless hours with the Nayatt 5K road race fundraiser and at Atria Bay Spring Village retirement community, and spends his time helping out with activities at St. Luke Church.

A member of the school’s cross country and indoor and outdoor track teams, Hayden has been named all-class and alldivision in both sports.

Josh Johnen, North Kingstown Junior, Indoor Track A deep team like North Kingstown’s indoor track squad has many pieces, from established stars to emerging standouts. Johnen currently fits into the latter category, scoring at the class and division meets and qualifying for states, while showing off the work ethic necessary to take the next step.

“Josh Johnen brings us stability and consistency,” coach Brendan Lamboy said.

“In addition to being an excellent student, Josh comes prepared every day and is eager to practice, compete and improve.

Josh will do anything we ask in order to help the team . . . Each year he shows more growth and determination.”

Johnen finished fourth in the long jump at the division meet as the Skippers won the title. He was also fourth at the class meet before placing 15th at states. This spring, Johnen, who ranks 12th in his class, is looking to continue his emergence on the outdoor track circuit.

Eric Rueb photo

Rogers junior Matt Marshall competes in the backstroke during the state championship meet in February. Marshall helped lead the Vikings to a fourth-place finish. ‘Matthew’s drive, combined with his talent, is rare,” Rogers coach Sarah Richards said.

Meghann Maguire, North Kingstown Junior, Indoor Track She’ll wait a few more months to defend North Kingstown’s field hockey title, but Maguire already is the owner of another state championship medal.

After leading the Skippers to the field hockey title in the fall, Maguire took first place in the 600-meter run at the state track meet in February.

The season was her first foray into indoor track, after competing in the outdoor season in 2015. She quickly got up to speed, breaking out as one of the top contenders for the crown at the division and class meets and taking the title with a strong performance on the biggest stage.

Maguire’s success on the track followed a dream field hockey season in which she earned all-state honors while leading the fourth-seeded Skippers — who are coached by her mother, Julie — to the title. Holding the No. 22 ranking in the junior class, Meghann led the team in assists while controlling the game from the midfield.

Matthew Marshall, Rogers Junior, swimming Some of the same characteristics that help Marshall find success in the pool also prove valuable in school.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and coaching Matthew since 2008. He is the most self-motivated, responsible and spirited young man I know,” swim coach Sarah Richards said of Marshall. “Matthew’s persistence and his focus on personal goals set him apart.

“I also know Matthew as a student. The characteristics that have made him successful in the pool carry over to his academics.”

Marshall had a strong showing in the postseason. He finished second in the 100-yard backstroke at the Division III championships and third in the 200 individual medley. He was also a member of two winning relay teams.

“He manages a demanding course load at Rogers High School, along with a demanding training regimen,” Richards said. “Matthew’s drive, combined with his talent, is rare.”

Kieran Maynard, Narragansett Junior, Indoor Track Ranked seventh in the junior class at Narragansett with a weighted GPA of 4.87, Maynard fits schoolwork and extracurricular activities into a three-sport schedule.

He ran cross country in the fall and indoor track in the winter. This spring, he’s a member of the tennis team.

On the cross country circuit, Maynard contributed in dual meets and ran at the junior varsity championship. He continued to focus on distance running as he transitioned to indoor track and finished 19th in the 1,500 at the division meet. This spring, he’s a junior leader for a young tennis team and is playing on the singles ladder.

In addition to his athletic and academic achievements, Maynard is a member of the math team, Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse, the Ocean Science Bowl, the National Honor Society and the World Languages Honor Society. He is the treasurer on the class council, volunteers as a youth soccer coach and was the recipient of the Katie DeCubellis Scholar Athlete Award.

May 2016 11

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners Kyle M c Gowan, Portsmouth Junior, Hockey On a team filled with talented seniors, McGowan was named a captain as a junior.

“He’s a true supporter of his teammates. He embraces all the players, and that’s what led to him getting a leadership role as a junior,” hockey coach Mike Monahan said.

“The other guys recognize that he may not be our best player, but he’s 100 percent committed.”

Monahan, who is the Director of Guidance at Portsmouth High School, said McGowan, who maintains a 3.2 GPA and serves on the student council, brings a similar attitude to school.

“He shows up every day, he challenges himself with great classes, rigorous classes,” Monahan said. “He’s had a lot of involvement in presenting and preparing presentations for Patriots Committed. They promote a healthy lifestyle: eating right, getting the right amount of sleep, a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

“One of the reasons Portsmouth is a good school is kids like him.”

Mariana M c Manus, Portsmouth Sophomore, indoor track A positive attitude goes a long way during a brutal practice, and McManus often is the one keeping things fun.

“She’s a lot like her older sister (Mariah): she has a really good sense of humor, and she’s a hard-working kid, but she has a lot of fun with it,” girls track coach Jeff Rose said.

“On a hard workout day, those are depressing days at track practice, she can find ways to lighten the mood and make it a better day for the rest of her team, which is a huge help.”

McManus, the sophomore class vice president, carries a 3.9 GPA. While she’s one of the younger athletes on the track team, she’s shown strong leadership skills, according to Rose. She’s also the team’s top sprinter.

“She’s running some great times this season,” Rose said. “I would like to see her continue to progress and be a leader on the team. She’s an invaluable part of the team.”

Bella Miko-Rydzaj, Prout Junior, Swimming An already strong high school swimming career hit a new level in February, when Miko-Rydzaj won a championship at the Division I meet and followed it up with a gold medal in the 200-yard individual medley at the state championships. She wasn’t the favorite coming in, but delivered her best showings of the season when it counted most, earning her first state title in the process and cementing her spot as one of the state’s top swimmers.

Miko-Rydzaj was also a team leader for the Crusaders, who went 5-2 in dual meets, took second at the D-I meet and placed fourth at states.

Miko-Rydzaj maintains a 4.5 GPA and is a student ambassador, a math tutor and a member of Prout’s sailing team. She has volunteered at the Rotary Club Balloon Festival, the VFW Veterans Day Breakfast and Toys for Tots.

She has also taught religious education and served as a youth swimming coach. She is a two-time Prout athlete of the month and a Spirit of the Arts award winner.

@RhodyWill Daily News file photo

Haley Mendoza (14) of Tiverton battles for position during a game against county rival Rogers in February 2015. Now a junior, Mendoza took a leadership role for the girls basketball team during her sophomore season.

Courtney M c Mullen, East Greenwich Junior, basketball “Courtney is an exceptional student-athlete,” East Greenwich basketball coach Tori Ahrens said. “Courtney is a natural-born leader with the thirst to succeed. She is able to lead by example on and off the basketball court.”

Those qualities have helped McMullen become an exceptional three-sport athlete for the Avengers in field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. She was an all-state field hockey player in the fall and was the leading scorer for a basketball squad that went 15-3 in Division II. “One characteristic that I believe makes Courtney stand out from the rest is her courage,” Ahrens said. “Courtney shows no fear.”

Aside from her busy sports schedule, McMullen is described by guidance counselor Beth McCarthy as being “athletic, competitive and a strong public speaker.”

Academically, McMullen excels in math and has committed to play field hockey at the College of the Holy Cross.

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Haley Mendoza, Tiverton Junior, basketball Always able to offer help where it’s needed, Mendoza is an asset to her teammates and her classmates.

“Haley is a very outgoing and respected young lady. She is always trying to better herself,” Tiverton math teacher Michelle Bennett said. “She works well with her peers, both inside and outside the classroom. I can always rely on Haley to help her classmates.”

Mendoza, who is ranked 16th in her class with a 3.6 GPA, is helpful on the basketball court, too.

“She was somebody who took on a leadership role early as a sophomore when we were struggling with an extremely young team, and she played beyond how old she was,” Tigers coach Doug Walker said. “Sometimes if I had something in my mind that I wanted to do with the team, Haley is somebody I would run it by, because I trusted her input and wanted her to be involved in the decision making.”

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12 May 2016

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners

Representative Doreen M. Costa

Congratulations to every one of the 2016 RI Scholar Athletes!

Molly Whitaker, a junior at Rogers, grabs some air while swimming the 100-yard freestyle event in January. Whitaker carries a weighted GPA of 4.7 and is ranked in the top 20 in her class.

You exemplify aptitude, spirit and leadership both in the classroom and on the field!

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Grace Moclair, Mt. Hope Sophomore, Basketball As a member of the lacrosse team, Moclair is a leader and highly valued player. She received second team alldivision honors during the 2015 season.

Moclair’s academic achievements were highlighted as well. She earned a position on the academic all-star team in 2015 after posting a GPA of 3.74. In addition to lacrosse, Moclair plays volleyball and basketball. She was named the Most Improved Player for two consecutive years in basketball for the 2015-16 seasons.

She participates in the Freshman Mentoring Program, where she assists younger students in their academic endeavors and encourages them to reach their potential.

She also is an active participant on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. In addition, Moclair is a member of the school’s Executive Board.

She volunteers her free time in the spring by assisting the lacrosse training sessions at Kickemuit Middle School.

Paige Noland, Bay View Sophomore, Crew As a sophomore on the crew team, Noland commutes to the Narragansett Boat Club in Providence to practice on the Seekonk River.

A member of one of the few high school rowing teams in the state, Noland and her peers travel to many different places — from Massachusetts to New York — to participate in regattas.

She rows during three seasons and is a key member of the novice boat.

In between practices and regattas, Noland devotes time to her studies and maintains a weighted 4.81 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the high honor roll. She is a straight-A student in her honor-level classes.

Noland is the sophomore class treasurer and received the Athlete of the Year award in 2015.

Noland was chosen to represent Bay View Academy at the Mothers Against Drunk Driving RI Team-Spirit Camp last summer.

Allyson Reardon, Middletown Junior, Competition cheer Reardon is doing her best to make sure she takes advantage during her high school years.

“Ally Reardon is a strong, well-rounded student who has decided to make the most of her time at Middletown High School,” said Jennifer Haskell, Reardon’s AP human geography teacher. “Being involved in cheer in multiple seasons is demanding, and it takes a student with determination to participate in both athletics and academics with equal effort and success.”

Reardon is ranked 43rd in her class of 149, carrying a GPA of 3.41.

“Junior year is so demanding, yet she has pushed herself to be strong in my class, as well as all of her other courses,” Haskell said. “Ally is a fine example to not only her younger sister, but to all students who strive to strike a successful balance between school, athletics and important work of being a teenager in today’s world.”

Molly Whitaker, Rogers Junior, swimming Whitaker swims for Rogers and the Barracudas program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County.

“Both on the pool deck and in the classroom, Molly is disciplined, courteous, responsible and reliable,” Rogers coach Sarah Richards said.

In the classroom, Whitaker has earned a weighted GPA of 4.7 and is ranked in the top 20 in her class.

“Molly’s commitment to team goals is contagious. She is always ready to step out of her comfort zone and deliver when it’s most needed,” Richards said. “As a student, Molly sets high academic goals and has achieved scholastic accolades that are a tribute to her commitment as a studentathlete.”

A member of the National Honor Society, Whitaker has won an Honors Spanish award. She volunteers at BlenheimNewport, an assisted-living facility in Middletown, and helps the Newport Recreation Department with program preparation.

May 2016 13

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14 May 2016

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners

SPRING SPORTS Julia Andrade, East Providence Junior, Outdoor track Andrade is a standout in soccer, basketball and track. She was an alldivision selection in soccer and was named Defensive Player of the Year for the soccer team while winning the Townie Award. Andrade is an active volunteer with the Alzheimer Association, the American Heart Association and the East Providence Senior Living Housing Authority.

She also has volunteered to support the running of two marathons. Maintaining an 88.735 grade average, she is a youth soccer referee and a member of the chess club.

Shaye Anis, Barrington Junior, Tennis Finding time to play three sports in high school can be challenging, but doing so while logging more than 100 hours of community service time is rather staggering.

Still, Anis managed to strike an impressive balance between school work, athletics and community service. In the classroom, Shaye has a GPA of 3.78 and is a member of the National Honor Society and the championship debate team.

When it comes to sports, he’s a standout tennis player — MVP of the tennis team in 2015 — and a committed contributor to the indoor track and cross country squads.

His community service may be most impressive, however. Shaye has already logged 18 hours helping out at Anandwan, a community rehabilitation center for leprosy patients in India. He’s committed 100 hours of service time volunteering at the Miriam Hospital information desk, and spent nearly 10 hours volunteering at the Save The Bay Exploration Center.

Jesse Boog, Middletown Junior, Golf Golf is a sport that requires focus, and Boog has plenty of it.

“Jesse displays a focused work ethic and pensive nature,” honors English teacher John Cunic said of Boog. “As a writer, he is able to offer insightful and articulate thoughts, all the while staying in control of his writing and making sure that every sentence is in service of his thesis.”

Boog is Middletown’s No. 1 golfer and ranks No. 15 in his class with a GPA of 3.733.

“Jesse Boog consistently brings a positive attitude each day to the classroom and actively participates in class discussions,” Cunic said. “He contributes insightful remarks that help demonstrate his knowledge, comprehension, and analysis of the literature.”

Wyndom Chace, North Kingstown Junior, Outdoor Track For a top student like Chace, running can be a welcome stress reliever, but it’s not as if she’s taking it easy. A member of the Skippers’ cross country, indoor track and outdoor track teams, Chace is a strong distance runner with a successful resume.

In the fall, she finished 36th at the state cross-country meet. She was sixth among North Kingstown runners, helping the team place second to La Salle. As the postseason continued and the Skippers headed to the Nike Northeast Regionals Open Division, Chace finished ninth and the Skippers won the team championship.

In the indoor track season, Chace finished 12th in the 1,500 at the division meet and 13th in the 1,000. She took 11th in the 1,500 at the class meet.

Chace is running outdoor track this spring and has helped the Skippers to an undefeated start. She is involved in several other extracurricular activities and is ranked No. 1 in her class.

Zoe Clougher, Rogers Junior, sailing Clougher quickly has established herself as a valuable member of the school’s sailing team.

“Zoe Clougher is the top skipper at Daily News file photo Rogers High School. This is impressive Middletown junior Jesse Boog pumps his fist after chipping in from about 20 because it is also her first year feet earlier this month. Boog, who ranks No. 15 in his class, is looking to qualify skippering 420s full time,” sailing coach Taylor Rock said. “Zoe is a fast for the state tournament for the third consecutive season. sailor and getting faster, but she also takes time to coach and work with Ailish Cafferty, Portsmouth new and younger sailors. During many Junior, Softball practices, Zoe will sail with crew new Several hours of school followed by a couple hours of softball can to the sport, and she always does this seem like a long day, but shortly after she gets home from practice, with a smile and gladly shares her Cafferty typically has about four hours of homework waiting for her. knowledge of the sport and racing.”

“Right after sports, I get home and I’ll have dinner and shower, but Clougher is ranked in the top 15 in then I do homework the rest of the night,” she said. “It can be difficult her class with a GPA of 3.4. She is a at times. I put my school first, but at the same time, I feel like I can member of the National Honor Society put sports up there, too, as a main priority.” and has been on the honor roll since 2013, when she was a freshman.

A member of the National Honor Society and the student council, Cafferty has a 3.5 GPA and is enrolled in two AP courses. She’s also one of the better players on the “Zoe brings a poise and confidence softball team. to her team. Her boat-handling skills are impressive and she is able to “Ailish is a great kid. I never have to worry about her on or off the field,” coach Mario Occhi said. smoothly navigate her 420,” Rock said.

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners Nick Colicci, Portsmouth

GOT PHOTOS?

Junior, Baseball For some students, a good grade is all that matters. While that is important, it’s not everything to Colicci, according to Jeff Rose, his pre-calculus teacher.

“He’s really interested in how well he’s doing in the class,” Rose said. “He doesn’t just want good grade, he wants to have a good understanding of the material. He’s not just looking to coast by and get a good grade on his report card.”

A member of the National Honor Society, Colicci carries a GPA of 3.9.

“He’s a really dedicated studentathlete, and he’s really good at balancing athletics and scholastics,” Rose said. “He’s not afraid of asking questions, which is important. He’s a good kid and I hope to have him again in calculus.”

His baseball coach, Dennis Perry, also thinks highly of Colicci, the team’s catcher.

“He’s a little guy, but Nick Colicci is heart and soul,” Perry said after a game this season. “He’s got a big heart and he’s a worker and he’s a player.”

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Jackson Cronin, Prout infielder Colby Crosby fires across the diamond last month during East Greenwich a game against Moses Brown. Now a sophomore, the shortstop earned Junior, Outdoor Track The East Greenwich cross-country and track programs seem to churn out distance runners every year. With alumni heading to places like Columbia and American University, the tradition includes success in the classroom.

Cronin is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his many distance-running predecessors.

“Jackson has continued the tradition of strong distance runners from East Greenwich High School,” track coach Peter Dion said. “He is firing on all cylinders with some top performances early in the spring season.”

Last fall, Cronin was the top Avenger at the state cross country meet, taking 15th overall and just missing out on all-state honors. In the regular season, Cronin led the Avengers to a 9-1 record in dual meets. On the track in the indoor season, Cronin spurred the Avengers to a strong regular season and postseason and took 13th in the 3,000 at the state meet.

“Finishing strong his junior year will put him in the mix of elite runners going into his senior season,” Dion said.

May 2016 15

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Colby Crosby, Prout Sophomore, Softball Crosby has wasted little time making her mark on the Prout athletic program, with two years still to come. She earned varsity spots as a freshman last year and became the rare sophomore with some veteran qualities this season. She played volleyball in the fall, was a starter and top performer for the basketball team in the winter and is holding down the shortstop position for the softball team this spring.

Her biggest success has come on the softball field, where she earned alldivision honors as a freshman and was named the team’s Rookie of the Year and Prout’s Student-Athlete of the Month last April. She has led the Crusaders to a solid start this year as well.

When she’s not playing one of her many sports, Crosby is a straight-A student and a member of the Pottery Club, the Spanish Club and the student ambassadors. She also plays travel softball, volunteers at the Alpine Nursing Home and plans to volunteer at the YMCA this summer.

Tyler D e Barros, East Providence Junior, volleyball DeBarros is a three-sport athlete, excelling on the football field, the volleyball court and on the track. His grade average of 87.279 shows DeBarros’ accomplishments in the classroom.

He is a Pop Warner All-American Scholar Award winner and a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society. DeBarros has been inducted into the EPHS chapter of the Sociedad Honiara Hispanic and is a member of the school’s Portuguese Club.

DeBarros also volunteers at the East Providence Soup Kitchen and is a reading buddy at local elementary schools.

Congratulations

to all our student athletes and those RI Student Athlete award winners. ~ Middletown Public Schools ~

16 May 2016

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners Jonny Eckel, Prout

Junior, Lacrosse Eckel isn’t the only all-season athlete at Prout, but he was busier than most this winter.

Taking advantage of a new Rhode Island Interscholastic League rule that permits dual participation, Eckel competed in indoor track and swimming this year and medaled in the state meet in both sports -- on the same day.

Eckel also ran cross country in the fall and plays lacrosse in the spring.

“If he could play 12 sports, he would,” lacrosse coach Tim Ryan said.

For the lacrosse squad, Eckel plays in the midfield and is a team leader after chipping in during Prout’s championship run last year.

“First and foremost, the kid is dedicated,” Ryan said. “It’s about competing, it’s about testing himself and it’s about contributing to a team and to the school’s athletic program.”

Eckel is also a strong student who takes honors classes and serves as a member of the National Honor Society. He has done volunteer work with Mystic Aquarium, the Rhode Island Food Bank, the Jonnycake Center of Westerly and the Westerly YMCA. He is the class treasurer and a recipient of the Rhode Island Civic Leadership award.

Evan Einloth, North Kingstown Junior, Outdoor Track Einloth joined the North Kingstown track program with potential as a sprinter and a jumper.

The culmination hasn’t happened yet, but after the promising signs of the winter season, Einloth is poised for continued improvement this spring.

In the indoor track season, Einloth, who ranks 24th in his class, medaled at the division meet in the 300-meter dash and took 10th in the long jump.

“Evan Einloth has shown some of the most growth of any athlete on the team,” coach Brendan Lamboy said. “He has become an all-division athlete through dedication and hard work. Evan is also a state qualifier in multiple events and we look to him to be a major contributor at the state meet. I have also had Evan as a student, and he is exceptional in the classroom as well.”

Lauren Gamache, Tiverton

Michael Garvey, Rogers Junior, outdoor track Rogers boys track coach Andrew Martucci describes Garvey as “a perfectionist,” and there is plenty of evidence to back up that label.

“I don’t think there’s anything he does that he doesn’t become the best at,” Martucci said. “Whether it’s school, gymnastics, track and field … he ends up becoming the best at whatever he does, because he’s extremely competitive.

“We had a meet the other day and he had his personal best in the 300-(meter hurdles). And it wasn’t good enough because he lost to (teammate) Yaqoob (Iqbal).”

In addition to being a skilled runner on the track team, Garvey is the No. 1-ranked student in his class with a weighted GPA of 5.27.

“Michael’s a superstar,” Martucci said.

Just behind Garvey in the junior class rankings is fellow track athlete Anthony Stohr.

“Those are great guys. I can tell them what I want and they’re going to get the job done,” Martucci said.

Junior, Softball Friendliness and kindness are characteristics that often aren’t highly valued in sports, but Gamache brings both and is appreciated for doing so.

“Extremely outgoing and a sweetheart,” Tiverton girls basketball coach Doug Walker said in describing Gamache’s personality. “I’ve never heard a bad word come out of her mouth.

She’s an awesome kid, and she’s one of the kids who makes the team close. She’s friends with everybody, and everybody is really tight with Lauren. … She’s the type of kid who, I think she would feel too bad to hard foul someone.”

Gamache, who has a 3.3 GPA and is ranked 25th in her class, has put that gentle demeanor to use on occasions when she baby-sits Walker’s 2-year-old son Andrew.

“I trust her, because I know her personality,” Walker said. “She’s awesome with him and he loves her.”

Hannah Gibbison, Middletown Sophomore, softball In her first year playing varsity softball, Gibbison has proven to be an asset to the program with her abilities both on and off the field.

“She’s a member of the Middletown Coalition and Islanders Committed, which both promote substance-free environments and making healthy choices. She’s a natural leader, very mature, very ambitious, goal driven,” softball coach Robin Ramey said of Gibbison.

“She’s a smart kid and challenges herself by taking honors courses and strives to give her all both on the softball field and in classroom.”

Gibbison has a 3.864 PGA and is ranked 16th in her class of 146.

Katelyn Goglia, Narragansett Junior, Golf Like twin sister Christine, also a Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Award winner, Katelyn Goglia was praised by Narragansett tennis coach Peter Barlow for her work ethic.

“Very coachable and very hard-working,” he said.

That is evident on both the tennis court and the golf course. Goglia played doubles for a contending Mariners team last fall. She has returned to the golf team this spring and will look to contribute during dual meets while keeping an eye on the girls state tournament. Last year, she finished 15th at the event.

Whether she’s busy with tennis or golf, Goglia finds time for school and extracurricular activities. Ranked No. 3 in her class with a GPA of 5.27, she’s a member of the National Honor Society, the World Languages Honor Society and Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse, while serving as the treasurer of the World Languages Club.

She teaches religious education at her church, was a CSPAN Student Cam Documentary winner and has received a National Spanish Exam award.

Lauren Grove, Barrington Junior, Softball She’s a standout member of the softball team, but Grove’s most impressive feat could be in the classroom. Throughout her entire high school career, Lauren has achieved high honors every semester.

A stellar student-athlete who maintains a 4.25 GPA, she was on the second-place team at the URI Chemistry Competition in 2015. She is secretary of the Interact Club, editor of the Yearbook Club and a member of the Chain Reaction Club.

Outside of school, she has dedicated 40 hours of her time to volunteering with various activities through the Interact Club.

When it’s time to take the field, Grove is a clutch player and last year was selected to participate in the Rhode Island all-state softball game.

East Bay file photo

Not only is Lauren Grove a standout player for the softball team at Barrington, she also offers much of her time volunteering for various organizations.

May 2016 17

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners Claire Hanlon, Bay View Junior, outdoor track Not only does Hanlon excel on the track, but she is a start in the classroom. Hanlon maintains a weighted GPA of 4.57 while competing in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.

She is an advocate for her school by participating in the Ambassadors Club, and she is also on the Athletic Leadership Council, seeking to make positive and lasting changes to the school’s athletic programs. She participates in many running events around Rhode Island, including the Jamestown Half Marathon, the CVS Downtown 5K and the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Awareness 5K. She also mentors the Our Lady of Mercy’s cross-country program in her free time. She was named Outstanding Athlete of the Year for two consecutive years by the athletic directors. Hanlon earned allstate status in cross country during sophomore and juniors years, while being named all-class and all-division during her first three years of high school.

Joe Levesque, Narragansett Junior, Baseball Levesque didn’t start the first baseball game of his freshman season, but that may never happen again. He forced his way into the lineup as a speedy outfielder for the second game and has been firmly planted there ever since.

“He’s just been fantastic,” Narragansett coach Keith Vellone said.

“He’s one of the hardest working kids on this team and that I’ve had in my career.”

Levesque is a fixture at the top of the order for the Mariners, with his speed wreaking havoc on the bases and leading to some gems in center field. His speed also translates to the track and the football field.

He was a sprinter for the Mariners during the indoor track season in 2015, when he won a state meet medal in a relay event, and he was a member of the football team this past fall.

Levesque also is a member of the National Honor Society, the World Languages Honor Society and Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse. He was a CSPAN Student Cam Documentary winner and has been an all-division honoree in baseball.

Matt M c Govern, South Kingstown Junior, Tennis The South Kingstown tennis team has been the state’s premier program for more than a decade, and much of that success has been built by doubles teams and those climbing the ladder each year to fill gaps.

McGovern can lay claim to both. He teamed up with Colin McGreen to win the state doubles championship last year, helping lead the Rebels to the team title. This year, McGovern has bumped all the way up to No. 2 singles, where he’s keeping the bar set high. The Rebels are off to an unbeaten start.

“He moved up to No. 2 singles, and that’s a really quality move,” coach Andy Carr said. “He’s a good team leader, even though he’s only in the 11th grade, and he works hard. He’s got a lot of positive things going on and off the court.”

McGovern also excels in the classroom, where his GPA is above 4.0. He is the junior class vice president and a member of the debate team, the academic decathlon, the math team and the National Honor Society. At his church, he works in the soup kitchen and spearheaded a clothing drive.

Congratulations to Rhode Island's Future Leaders!

Tom M c Kinnon, Tiverton Junior, lacrosse McKinnon is capable of putting on a show on the lacrosse field, and evidently that showmanship is prevalent in the classroom as well.

“Tommy is a performer. He likes and excels at getting up in front of his peers and putting on a presentation,” said Dave Landoch, who has McKinnon in his history class. “In fact, he did a wonderful job on his space program presentation just recently. He is charismatic and has a great sense of humor. He also seems to genuinely like to learn about history.”

McKinnon has a 3.2 GPA and is ranked 32nd in his class.

“Tommy has made the most improvements in my history class. He works to the best of his ability every day,” Landoch said. “He is definitely a pleasure to have in class.”

“He is not only a hard worker, but he is the first one in class who will help someone out,” Tiverton math teacher Lisa Furtado said. “There is a student with special needs in my Algebra II class who Tommy will sit with instead of allowing this student to be by himself.”

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18 May 2016

Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards: The Winners

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Sophomore, Outdoor track Leadership is an essential when describing O’Brien. She runs cross country in the fall, is a member of the swim team in the winter and competes in track in the spring.

A Bristol resident, O’Brien has dedicated much of her time to the school’s environmental club, as well as the Save Bristol Harbor and Save The Bay foundations. She works diligently to save her town and the state from pollution and participates in a number of extracurricular activities.

She is a member of the Executive Board of her school, striving for positive change. She also is apart of the Freshman Mentoring Program and an active member of the StudentAthlete Advisory Committee.

Having a keen scientific eye, O’Brien was awarded “Best In Show” at the Mt. Hope Science Fair in 2015, and was a finalist at the State Science Fair this year.

Alexandra Rekos, South Kingstown Junior, Lacrosse Draw controls set the stage for success in girls lacrosse, and it’s fitting that Rekos handles the bulk of them for Division II contender South Kingstown. As a veteran of the sport, she sets the stage for success in more ways than one.

“She has that presence and she’s a leader,” coach Kristin Orabone said.

“She has the lacrosse smarts. She understands the game so well that she’s able to help her teammates on the field and set them up for success.”

Rekos is a key performer for the Rebels, who completed the first half of the season with a perfect record.

In addition to her duties in the faceoff area, she’s a capable scorer and a leader in the midfield and at the defensive end.

Outside the high school ranks, Rekos was chosen to play on the Lower New England all-star team in the Brine National Lacrosse Classic.

Off the field, Rekos ranks in the top 20 in her class and is part of the math team, the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society and Friends of Rachael. She volunteers at the Scallop Shell Nursing Center and West Kingston Elementary.

Independent file photo

South Kingstown junior Alexandra Rekos, right, attempts to fend off a Middletown defender during a game last season. Rekos, on top of being a top-level lacrosse player, volunteers at a nursing center.

Erika Shipley, East Greenwich Junior, Lacrosse Shipley was given a second-team all-state nod last fall for a field hockey team that went 14-3-1. She’s a standout this spring for a lacrosse squad that isn’t having as much success, battling through a tough slate in the state’s highest division.

The effort Shipley delivers, though, is the same.

“Every time Erika Shipley steps onto the field for a practice or a game, she gives 100 percent effort,” lacrosse coach Karen Lemont said. “This is a guarantee.”

Shipley chips in on the midfield and the attack for the Avengers, who picked up their first win of the year April 29. She is also a strong student whose work ethic translates in the classroom and on the field.

“She consistently prepares year round and is willing to do what it takes to contribute her A game to the team,” Lemont said. “Perhaps most importantly, she manages to project focus and determination in conjunction with pure enjoyment ­— an important balance in athletics and life.”

Nick Simeone, Mt. Hope Sophomore, Baseball Simeone makes significant contributions on both the baseball field and the basketball court for the Huskies. He was chosen for the National Student-Athlete Day of Recognition, and carries 3.35 GPA. Simeone participates in DECA, a business club that develops ideas to be presented at conferences, and handles the school’s daily announcements for the Huskies News Network. He is also the emcee at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church.

He volunteers at the Cox Sports Providence marathon, the annual Italian Feast and the community dinner conducted by OLMC. In 2014, he received an award for excellence in business.

May 2016 19

Congratulations to all honorees!

We would like to thank our Presenting Sponsor,

Bank newport

as well as our other sponsors who made this event possible.

The Newport Daily News The Independent and East Bay Newspapers We would like to give a special thanks to

Jim Martin, Master of Ceremonies.

Jim Martin has been the PA announcer for the Boston Bruins at TD Garden for the past 23 seasons, and was the former announcer for over 25 years for the Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI.

Thank You!!

High school sports is a unique American tradition, one that still attracts communities, cheerleaders, pep bands. One that has homecomings, mascots, organized student cheering sections and a host of other features entirely lacking from travel soccer and ice hockey or nonschool basketball and volleyball.

Such initiatives are the “trademarks” of high school sports – student-centered promotions consistent with the educational mission of sponsoring schools. These traits are the soul of school sports as school sports strengthen the pulse of the surrounding community.

The athletes who are being recognized today for their athletic, academic and civic contributions exemplify the true spirit of high school sports.

They will someday transfer these qualities and establish themselves as the leaders of tomorrow.

On behalf of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League and our member schools we extend our congratulations and best wishes to all.

Thomas Mezzanotte Executive Director Rhode Island Interscholastic League

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RHODE ISLAND SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD

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20 May 2016

In the Classroom, On the Court, and In the Community...

Congratulations to the Rhode Island Scholar Athletes of 2016

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