Branford Students Named SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month

Branford’s Ellery Riccio and Dean Conte were among the 16 student-athletes from nine high schools to be named The SportsCenter of Connecticut/Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Athletes of the Month for February.

Now in its ninth year, The SportsCenter of Connecticut/SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month program will honor outstanding young men and women each month during the 2014-15 academic year.

“Many thanks to the Sports Center of Connecticut for its support of the SCC and the Scholar Athlete of the Month program,” SCC Commissioner Al Carbone said. “This conference has been proud of its success for the last 20-plus years, and to be able to recognize outstanding young men and women who demonstrate the desire and ability to succeed solidifies what the SCC is all about.”

Each SCC member school can nominate up to two honorees per season (fall, winter and spring).

Student athletes who are selected must be a varsity letter-winner and have a 3.0/B average while demonstrating leadership qualities such as: being a positive role model; helping teammates overcome adversity; showing a commitment to self-improvement; or putting the needs of the team before themselves.

Sports Center of CT/SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month recipients and receive a certificate, commemorative T-shirt and a SportsCenter of Connecticut activity pass.

Riccio, a member of the Hornets’ volleyball and basketball teams, has been an exemplary student in the classroom. A member of the National Honor Society, Riccio sports a 4.23 grade-point average.

A SCC All-Oronoque honoree in volleyball during the fall, Ellery recently earned the basketball team’s Sportsmanship Award.

“Ellery is a positive role model for young people in our community,” Branford athletic director Sav Synodi said. “She is a leader in the classroom and on the court.”

Conte, a diving standout for the Hornets who also is an accomplished gymnast, has been impressive in the classroom. He sports a 4.18 grade-point average.

This past winter, Conte served as captain of the swimming and diving squad and earned All-SCC and All-State honors after finishing second in both diving competitions.

“Dean is hard working, focused, determined and a person of integrity,” Branford swimming and diving coach Steve Sawyer said.