East Haven Students Named SCC Scholar Athletes of the Month

East Haven’s Caroline Wajdowicz and Austin Lieto were among the 16 student-athletes from eight high schools to be named The SportsCenter of Connecticut/Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Athletes of the Month for September.

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 gets two honorees per season (fall, winter and spring). The Conference will announce the fall recipients in September, October and November.

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.

Wajdowicz, a member of the Yellowjackets’ girls’ soccer team, ranks in the top 15 percent of her class with a 3.5 grade-point average. She is also a member of the indoor and outdoor track teams.

“Caroline has always put the team before herself and is willing to play any role to help make the team successful,” East Haven girls’ soccer coach Ray Curren said.

Lieto, a three-sport (cross country, indoor and outdoor track) performer for the Yellowjackets, has been a standout in the classroom. He ranks fifth in his class with a 4.55 grade-point average.

A member of the Media Club, Lieto also participates on the Math Team.

“Austin’s work ethic is one of the best I’ve encountered,” East Haven cross country coach Anthony Russell said. “He works hard both in the classroom and on the trail. He is a model student-athlete.”

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