Barnegat Students, Sports Director Take Home Big Awards

BARNEGAT, NJ — Three Barnegat High School students and the district's athletics director were recently honored by the Shore Conference and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) program, the district announced in a news release.

During the annual Shore Conference awards ceremony on May 19 in Toms River, BHS's John Germano was honored as the 2023-2024 Ocean County Athletic Director of the Year, an award that recognizes outstanding leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to high school athletics in the region.

And it turns out that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Germano's daughter, Giana, was also a recipient of a Shore Conference honor. She and Tyler Finkle were both recognized with the conference's Sportsmanship Award. To receive this award, each BHS head coach had to nominate one senior varsity athlete and submit nominations to the Shore Conference. Giana's achievements include holding a captain's title for varsity field hockey, varsity lacrosse, and school spirit student section. Finkle also excelled as a three-sport athlete, distinguishing himself in soccer, swimming, and volleyball.

“It's an honor to be named Ocean County's Athletic Director of the Year, but it's an even bigger honor to see our triple threat athletes also take center stage,” Germano said. “I'm extremely proud and humbled to celebrate these athletes with their great achievements. I'd like to extend my gratitude to the coaches, parents, and student-athletes whose contributions make everything possible. I'm also grateful for my wonderful wife, who supports my passion for sports, and for my two children, who fill me with pride every day.”

Another recognition for BHS athletics came earlier in May. Senior Alyson Sojak was awarded the NJSIAA Scholar Athlete Award. Each year, every NJSIAA member school selects a senior who not only plays a NJSIAA varsity sport but possesses a cumulative grade point average of no less than 3.0 and exhibits outstanding school and community citizenship. More than $185,000 in scholarships are given out by the NJSIAA each year to athletes during their awards ceremony.

“These recognitions are a testament to the tremendous dedication and spirit within our athletic community in Barnegat,” said Barnegat Township School District Superintendent Brian Latwis. “The achievements not only reflect individual excellence but also highlight the collective effort and values instilled throughout our programs.”

The Shore Conference is an athletic organization composed of high schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties in New Jersey. It organizes and oversees interscholastic athletic competitions and activities in a wide range of sports for both boys and girls. The conference aims to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence in high school athletics.