Milford Students Named SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month

Jonathan Law’s Jeremy Doucette and Kelsey Kopazna, along with Lauralton Hall’s Maggie Salandra, 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.

Doucette, a three-sport (cross country, basketball and outdoor track) captain and varsity letter-winner for the Eagles, has performed exceptionally in the classroom.

Ranked among the best in his classroom, he holds a 4.36 grade-point average.

“Jeremy is well respected by his teachers, coaches, and classmates alike,” Law cross country coach Charlie Phillips said. “He is a true role model for all student athletes.”

Kopazna, a three-sport (swimming, gymnastics an outdoor track) varsity letter-winner for the Eagles, has been a standout performer in the classroom and community.

An exemplary student, she sports a 4.65 grade-point average and ranks in the top 10 of her class.

Kopanza also served as captain of the Eagles’ gymnastics team which finished second at the SCC and Class S championship meets. She was recently recognized as one of 46 SCC Scholar Leaders honored by the conference.

“Kelsey is a true example of a student-athlete and what all should strive to be,” Law swimming coach Melanie Paolini said.

Salandra, a two-sport (soccer and basketball) standout for the Crusaders, has been an exemplary performer in the classroom with a 94 grade-point average and serves as Lauralton’s Student Body President.

A two-sport SCC All-Oronoque Division honoree, she added All-Area basketball honors from the New Haven Tap Off Club.

“Maggie has the respect of her teammates,” Lauralton Hall basketball coach Amanda Forcucci said. “She way of providing leadership is always well received.”