Milford Students Named SCC Scholar Athletes of the Month

Jonathan Law’s Kelsey Kopanza and Jeremy Doucette were among the 13 student-athletes from seven high schools to be named The SportsCenter of Connecticut/Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Athletes of the Month for November.

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 announced 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.

Kopanza, a three-sport (swimming, gymnastics and outdoor track & field) letter-winner for the Eagles, is also a top-notch performer in the classroom. She ranks in the top 10 of her class and sports a 4.65 grade-point average.

Outside of school, she works with young gymnasts.

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

Doucette, a three-sport (cross country, basketball and baseball) letter-winner and captain, has been an outstanding performer in the classroom. He holds a 4.36 grade-point average, earning high honors on a regular basis.

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