Hills Scholar-Athletes Earn Somerset Distinction

Two members of Watchung Hills Regional High School’s Class of 2013 were among the 32 graduating seniors who were honored May 15 at the Somerset County Scholar-Athlete dinner.

Andrew Gildenberg and Sarah Decker, accompanied by Principal George Alexis, were honored for their distinct accomplishments in the classroom and on the playing field.

Gildenberg, who took a program heavy with Advanced Placement and honors courses, maintained a 4.5 grade point average. He was named to the National Spanish Honor Society and the National English Honor Society.

The Warren resident was equally distinguished on the field. A four-year member of the football and basketball teams, he has earned three letters in each sport and served as captain for both teams this year. He has a reputation both as a leader and as an outstanding teammate.

As a senior, he was also named second team all-conference in football and has been selected to participate in the first annual Basilone Bowl.

He will be attending Boston University this fall.

Decker also is a distinguished scholar, as evidenced by her membership in the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society and the National English Honor Society. She is an Advanced Placement Scholar who maintains a 4.5 grade point average.

A three-sport athlete, the Warren resident competes in cross country in the fall and track in the winter and spring. At the end of this season, Sarah will have earned 12 varsity letters during her career. Captain of the spring track team, she owns seven distance records at Watchung Hills.

Her achievements have earned her first team all-conference, first team all-county and second team all-state honors.

In addition to her demanding academic and athletic schedules, Decker is president of the Diversity Council and has been a leader in the school’s anti-bullying campaign. She also had the honor of attaining finalist standing in the 18th annual Wallenberg Honors Program sponsored by the Wallenberg Foundation of New Jersey. 

Decker will attend Bucknell University in the fall.