Bergen Catholic Honors Scholars

's most studious assembled to receive praise and accept awards befitting their efforts at the 35^th Annual Academics Awards Assembly on Thursday.

It was a nod to the hard work of the students that had principal Timothy J. McElhinney so proud.

"It's a night we get to celebrate their scholarship and intellectual ability," said McEhinney, "but also work ethic and school spirit. If it wasn't for that spirit they wouldn't enjoy their classes, their work and their experience here."

The collection of spirited achievers received numerous honors that illuminated their accomplishments on their continuing path to great things. It was an honor that brought big smiles and greater senses of pride for close admirers.

"He has had several wonderful mentors here and helped bring this to fruition," said Conor Lloyd's mother Angela Lloyd.

"I'm very proud he is such a hardworker," Alexander Hart's mother Susan. "He works very hard and earned everything he has ever got."

Among those being praise were River Edge and Oradell residents including , Andrew Degand, Hart and Jaewoo An, whom received several awards. The honors ranged from recognition of daily excellence to greater accomplishments achieved through the tutelage of great professors and continued at home by their attentive parents.

"He has always been focused and it was so easy to keep him going," said Angela Lloyd.

While the proud mamas and papas beamed with pride, the night's heroes enjoyed every minute of their scholastic celebration.

"I was really happy to receive all these acknowledgements," said Conor Lloyd. "I was surprised to receive The (Manhattan College) Book Award so that was awesome. It was nice to see the teachers recognize how much I love the school and love what I do here."

"I was really happy to receive the AP Scholar Award," said River Edge's Jaewoo An.

While the awards were great it's just a warm-up for their future challenges and achievements.

"My dream is to establish my own college or high school," said An. "I want to help underprivileged kids have a chance to get an education."

The night was truly for their praise and the Bergen Catholic community that fostered their passion to achieve new heights in their young academic careers. It will be great to see what these bright minds can accomplish.