Shelton Students Named SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month

Shelton’s Wesley Kocurek and Elizabeth Lewis 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.

Kocurek, a three-sport (cross country, indoor and outdoor track) standout for the Gaels, has been an exemplary performer in the classroom.

A CAPT Scholar and member of the National and Spanish honor societies, he is ranked second in a class of 384 students with a 100.25 grade-point average.

An AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Scholar commended, Kocurek was a recipient of the Yale Book Award and participated in Boys State. He is also a martial arts black belt, and serves as captain of the Gaels’ outdoor track team this spring.

“Wesley’s high level of organization, enthusiasm, hard work and drive for success should be commended and respected,” Shelton boys indoor track coach Jason Kymer said.

Lewis, a two-sport (basketball and outdoor track & field) performer for the Gaels, has been a standout in the classroom.

A CAPT Scholar and member of the National Honor Society, she ranks 26th in a class of 384 students and holds a 95.34 grade-point average. Lewis is also a member of the World Language Honor Society.

“Eliza combined her heavy academic workload with her equal dedication and hard work in every practice and game,” Shelton girls basketball coach Joe Cavallaro said. “She never gave less than 100 percent to the team.”