Neighbor News
ETHS Scholar Athletes Cited for Grades, Athletic Prowess
Kiwanis Club of Evanston has honored over 200 students since award inception in 2007
KIWANIS CLUB HONORS SCHOLAR/ATHLETES WITH VAN ZELST AWARD
Three outstanding ETHS seniors were honored recently by the Kiwanis Club of Evanston as standouts in their sports, as well as the classroom. Accompanied by many family members, the three were introduced by ETHS Director of Athletics, Chris Livatino, for their accomplishments in the classroom and in their chosen sports.
Adrian Btyqui, Matt Hall and Jake Rubin, representing Boys Wrestling, Boys Basketball and Boys Bowling, respectively, told the group how they happened upon their various specialties and what athletics has brought to their overall development at school and personally. Adrian indicated that he bonded with his fellow players, but also grew through his individual achievements and losses. He also coaches a team of young players which he admitted was exhausting, but exhilarating. He hopes to major in engineering in college.
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Matt Hall has been playing basketball since the 5th grade. Pursuing athletics has provided discipline which helps in getting assignments done in a timely manner and built friendships. He is looking toward sports medicine as a college major with Bradley, U. of Central Florida and Iowa in his sites with a goal of helping others.
Jake Rubin was the first Evanston bowler in ETHS history to make it to the state finals. He hopes to be an elementary school teacher and is considering Purdue and Illinois State for college. He cited the friendships he has built through bowling, not only with his teammates, but individuals on other teams and the bonus of developing leadership qualities through the sport.
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Each of the young men received a certificate acknowledging their successes, a gift card to Barnes & Noble and a book on leadership. Since the inception of the Ted Van Zelst award in 2007, more than 200 students have been honored for their contributions to athletics, community service and fine arts. Pictured here Adrian Bytyqi, Wrestling; Matt Hall, Boys Basketball, Jake Rubin, Bowling.
