On Friday, March 8, the winter freshman and junior varsity athletics programs gathered to honor the athletes of the winter season. Awards were given for most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each team.
The Most Improved Player Award is awarded to the athlete who displayed the greatest amount of improvement and growth in their skills which contributed to the success of their team.
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award is named after our beloved former faculty member, coach and colleague Bernie Ward is for the athlete who has displayed the most passion and commitment towards bettering themselves and their teammates during the season.
The Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.
Joe Durso
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Most Valuable Player
Boys JV Basketball
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The Most Valuable Player is given to a player who is exceptional in every aspect out on the court. Joe Durso was that player for us this year. He was the strongest and most physically powerful player out there with the skill to back it up. He could play as a guard or a forward, being able to score from anywhere on the court. He was our strongest defender, able to guard the best players around the league. He was the vocal leader in both games and practices. He was a true motivator that the other players on the team could look up to and get behind. He was the team’s leader both on and off the court and the driving force behind our successful season. This year’s Most Valuable Player is Joe Durso of Seaford.
Jessica Lampasone
Most Improved
Girls JV Basketball
This year’s Most Improved Player is Jessica Lampasone of Wantagh Jessica is an extremely talented and hard-working player- always looking for a way to improve her own personal game as well as helping the team succeed. She improved little by little through experience and instruction. Once the second half of the season hit, Jessica became a force to be reckoned with. Her defensive skills could not be beaten. As a point guard, her decision- making skills were spot on. And when she hit back to back three-pointers in a very close semifinal game, that’s undeniable! Jess quickly became a player that was not just wanted on the court, but needed on the court to win. I cannot wait to see her heart and courage next season!
Mia Kouletsis
Most Improved
Freshman Cheerleading
The Most Improved Award goes to a cheerleader who has shown tremendous growth, dedication, and perseverance throughout the winter season. Mia Kouletsis of Seaford began the season as a base but finished the season as one of our main flyers. Just two weeks before the season ended, we challenged Mia to try flying in place of a flyer who was hurt. At first, she flew in basic stunts, but we soon saw she had so much potential in the air. By the last competition, Mia was confidently flying in every stunt sequence. We are so proud of how quickly she learned everything, even when that meant picking up on stunts and formations the morning of the competition. Her dedication and passion for cheerleading is evident, and we’re looking forward to watching her grow as a cheerleader. This seasons Most Improved Player is Mia Kouletsis.
Brianne Zaremba
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Girls Freshman Cheerleading
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to a cheerleader who has shown tremendous dedication over the past two seasons. Every practice, Brianne Zaremba of Wantagh pushes herself to go above and beyond what is asked of her. Her commitment to the betterment of herself and the team is evident each and every day. We could always count on Brianne to have a positive attitude and open mind to anything put her way. No matter how tough a practice was, Brianne always left smiling. Her hard work, passion, and dedication make her an absolute pleasure to coach. We can’t wait to watch her grow as a cheerleader. This seasons Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Brianne Zaremba.
Chloe Accurso
Most Valuable Player
JV Dance Team
The recipient of this year’s JV Dance team Most Valuable Award goes to Sophomore, Chloe Accurso of Wantagh . For four seasons Chloe has excelled and has been such an inspiration to others. She sets the bar high for herself and holds others in the same respect. She is encouraging and genuinely loves to see the success of others. Her old soul and vibrant smile brought the passion needed, and she was a pleasure to have on our side. Her pint-size was never underestimated especially when she danced through her pains. Chloe is such a great dancer and was an asset to our team. She is completely worthy of such a prestigious award and we are so proud to have been able to be her coach.
