June 2010 Scholar Athlete

Jake Haley - Queen Anne's Co. H.S., Centreville, MD  

Queen Anne’s County High School Senior Jake Haley is as gifted as they come.  Since his sophomore year Jake has been piling up one prestigious honor after another.  He’s been named to the Maryland Free State Team, named a Nike Blue Chip selection, played in the Under Armor AA Lacrosse Underclassmen Game, and is listed by Inside Lacrosse Magazine as a Top 50 lacrosse prospect nationally.  Couple his athleticism with a 4.0 GPA, and its clear Jake Haley deserves the title of WBOC/Mountaire Scholar Athlete. 

Jake’s accolades on the field may get all the headlines, but his coach’s and teacher’s are adamant in reminding everyone of his talents in the classroom.  Since middle school Jake has been taking honors and advanced placement classes, and this year he’s even undertaken an Intro to Business course load at Chesapeake College.  He’s a member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the National Honor Society, and even holds down a spot on the schools It’s Academic Team. 

Aside from two straight MVP seasons as a lacrosse goalie, Jake is a two year captain on the football team and has earned honors as an All-Conference Safety.  He holds the state record for longest interception return for a touchdown, 108 yards, and averaged 15 yards a carry as a running back.

“Jake is dedicated to giving 110%, not only on the lacrosse field, but also academically.  He is one of the most exceptional athletes that I have ever had the pleasure to coach.” – Michael Ransom, Queen Anne’s County H.S. Men’s Lacrosse Coach

Not only is Jake a leader in his school, he also volunteers time each summer to be a youth coach & counselor at the Eastern Shore Young Guns Lacrosse Camp.

“Jake is an outstanding young man that demonstrates a commitment to academic, personal and athletic success.  He’s dependable, following through on commitments without constant reminder…showing conscientious regard for education and sports.” – Jennifer Casey, Guidance Counselor at Queen’s County H.S. 

This fall Jake will begin his college career at Georgetown University and in a twist of fate, Jake’s new college team will square off against the University of Maryland in the first game of the season, which just happens to be the team Jake’s brother will suit up for.

“Athletics, Academics and Community Service: Jake Haley does it all with style. He’s a quite leader who knows where he wants to be and is directing his steps to one day take a commanding position in the business world; as well as to be a productive contributor in the community where he lives. Jake is an impressive young man, on and off the field of play.”- Roger Marino, Mountaire Farms Corporate Director of Community Relations.
 

May 2010 Scholar Athlete

Kaci Coveleski - Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes, DE

WBOC and Mountaire Farms were proud to honor Kaci Coveleski as the recipient of the WBOC/Mountaire Scholar Athlete Award for the month of May.  Her prowess at Cape Henlopen High School in athletics and academics, coupled with her dedication to her church and the community made Kaci an easy choice for the award.

On the field Kaci has been honored as a 1^st team all-conference and all-state player for both field hockey and lacrosse, helping bring home a state lacrosse championship in her junior year.  Young Kaci is also a force in the pool, where she has received four consecutive conference championships.  Of course much was expected from the youngest Coveleski, whose grandfather has his name on the legacy wall of Cape Henlopen’s Legends Stadium. Her older brother and sister all played competitive sports at the school and both parents were college athletes.  Those are some pretty big shoes to fill for anyone, but Kaci met the challenge head on and using a tremendous work ethic surpassed any bar her peers and predecessors could have set for her.  This fall she plans on taking her passion for field hockey to the college level at Northeastern University.

“Kaci’s goal is to become a college field hockey player.  Throughout the time I’ve known Kaci she has displayed the moral character, discipline, organization and commitment necessary to become a successful student-athlete at the next level.  She would be an asset both academically and athletically to any university.”– Jennifer Eckman, Physical Education Teach / Asst. Coach  

The class president since her freshman year, a 1^st team academic all-state student athlete, a member of the National Honor Society & St. Edmunds Church Youth Group, Secretary for the Key Club, Peer Counseling Leader; the list of personal commitments goes on and on and through it all Kaci maintains a 4.0 GPA, which ranks 5^th in her graduating class.  She credits good time management skills and strong family support for her success.

“I consider myself a self-motivated person with very high expectations for myself.”Says Kaci, “I look up to my older sister and use her for guidance at times, and I hope I’ve been a good role model for others at the school to follow.”    

As she begins her pursuit of a career in medicine, Kaci is confident she can handle the pressures of college.  “I’m nervous, but definitely excited and ready for the next challenge.  I’m going to work hard on my major in pharmaceuticals with the hope of coming out of school with a job in a much better economy.

“Moral character, discipline, organization, commitment and dedication to her family, on the field, in the classroom and the community where she lives, are the special characteristics that make Kaci Coveleski a leader among leaders.

"The WBOC/MOUNTAIRE Scholar Athlete Award is awarded monthly to someone who not only can hit a ball, run faster, or slam dunk quicker, and better than their opponents. It belongs to that person, male, and female, who possess the combined qualities of leadership in all areas of their daily life. Kaci has it all. And her future is certain to exhibit many more rewards in all that she pursues.  We are happy to include Kaci Coveleski on the list with scholar athletes who have predeeded her. And we are proud to exclaim that every winner in the past two years has graded no less than a straight A average; captained at least two varsity sports, been at, or very close to the top their class, and spent many compassionate hours participating in extra-curricular community and scholastic activities. We’re looking for leadership and on Delmarva we have found it.” - Roger Marino, Mountaire Director of Community Relations.

To view the complete WBOC news story click here
 

April 2010 Scholar Athlete

Travis Prunty, James M. Bennett High School, Salisbury, MD  

A young man of many talents; a description agreed upon by coaches, teachers and peers when talking about Salisbury native Travis Prunty.  His impressive high school resume includes lettering in (3) varsity sports, four (4) years on the school honor roll, singing for the schools concert choir as well as starting his own band,  “Deleted by the Artist”, for which he is the lead singer.  His many talents, coupled with an ability to lead others have made Travis a role model in the community and a deserving recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award.

Athletics:  For the past three years Travis has been a starting defensive tackle and center on the varsity football team, being named to the Bayside All-Conference team the past two seasons and team captain during his senior year.  He’s also been a member of the Clippers wrestling team the past four years and the past three springs has played on the varsity lacrosse team.

“Travis had an outstanding career as a starting defensive tackle and center on the football team.  However, what separates Travis from other student athletes is his ability to be a leader.  He works very hard on and off the field…leading by example with his dedication an, finding positive ways to motivate teammates.  Young men like him are why I truly enjoy coaching.”  - Glenn “Hoot” Gibson, Athletic Director / Head Football Coach at James M. Bennett High School 

Academics:  Travis has demonstrated great aptitude in the classroom as well; his high GPA (3.7), solid SAT scores, and strong work ethic have helped him get accepted into Catholic University where he wants to pursue a career in nursing with aspirations of becoming an anesthetist. 

Extra-Curricular Activities:  His athletic ability and intellect are clear.  But what might be the most impressive trait in Travis is the size of his heart.  It’s rare to find a young adult with the desire to help others by volunteering their time and sharing their knowledge in so many areas.  He’s a math tutor for his school, an active Parishioner at his church, St. Francis De Sales, and a mentor to local youth as a football coach at the Salvation Army and wrestling instructor at the Wicomico Civic Center.  And if that weren’t enough, Travis finds time to volunteer in the homeless kitchen at the Joseph House and the homeless shelter at St. Francis De Sales, making him a true savior to those in need.

It’s quite a busy schedule, but at 5’10, 215 pounds, the young man has the broad shoulders to carry the load and it’s these honorable qualities which truly separate Travis Prunty from the crowd, and why he was chosen as a recipient of the WBOC/Mountaire Scholar Athlete of the Month Award.

“When we are taking applications for the Scholar Athlete of the Month Award we look for evidence that the potential recipient has the heart and spirit to continue his lifetime career goals as a contributor to the community in which he lives, works, plays and prays. With Travis Prunty, you don’t have to search far to recognize a deep commitment to want to help and do what’s right for others.” Says Roger Marino, Director of Community Relations for Mountaire Farms “Travis Prunty will distinguish himself in the field of medicine as he has in these early high school years as an athlete, a scholar and community leader. He is truly an outstanding recipient for the WBOC/MOUNTAIRE Scholar Athlete of the Month Award.”

To view the complete WBOC news story click here

March 2010 Scholar Athlete

Bradley Janson, Stephen Decatur High School

Of the many flattering words used to describe this talented senior, the one most prominently used by coaches, teachers and peers alike is versatile. Carrying a 4.8 GPA, All-Bayside Honors on the soccer field and in possession of the Stephen Decatur 400 meter women’s track record at 59.3 seconds, Bradley exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete.

Athletically, Bradley is an accomplished 4 year varsity letterman in soccer, indoor and outdoor track. Her blazing speed, leadership ability and versatility in all (3) sports has amazed her coaches and lead to an array of athletic awards. Captain of the Lady Seahawk soccer team, Bradley has evolved from a dominant mid-fielder to an elite forward and leading scorer on the team. Her tenacity on the field has earned her All-Bayside Conference Honors as well as being named MVP of this year’s senior all-star game. When not on the pitch, she displays her speed on the track. Competing in multiple events each year, Bradley has won conference and regional championships, as well as placed on the state level in the individual 200m & 400m events and in the 1600m and 3200m team relay events.

“Her friendly demeanor and enthusiastic encouragement to all is of immeasurable value. A highly coachable athlete who consistently trains at her highest level, she has been a joy to work with throughout the years.” – Patrick Russo, Indoor & Outdoor Track Coach at Stephen Decatur High School

Bradley has also excelled academically, ranking in the top 5 percent of her graduating class while taking numerous advanced placement classes. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has earned the state Minds in Motion Scholar Athlete award each year of high school. Even more impressive is her involvement within the community. As a member of the schools Connections Community Service Club, Bradley has worked with organizations such as the OC Surfrider Foundation on anti-littering programs, the McGuffey Readers Program and the annual Leukemia/Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Event to name a few. She’s also on the school’s Prom committee, is a school tutor, and has been a youth soccer instructor for elementary school kids.

Next fall Bradley opens the next chapter in her academic life when she begins classes at Salisbury University where she plans on majoring in Biology and working towards a career in the medical field.

Says Bradley, “I will miss High School, but I’m ready to take on the challenge of college and move on to bigger things.”  

“She’s a popular person on the field of play, in the classroom and in the communities where she volunteers her time and expertise helping others,” says Roger Marino, Mountaire Corporate Director of Community Relations. “Bradley Janson knows how to get it done with time left on the clock. She’s proficient at time management, a skill that will help her to go far in academics, business and along life’s way. We are pleased to introduce Bradley Janson as a member of the WBOC/MOUNTAIRE Scholar Athlete of the Month Award honorees.”    

To view the complete story on WBOC click here    
 

February 2010 Scholar Athlete

Haley Quillen, Seaford High School

Athletic, Intelligent, Driven:  These are just a few of the words used by coaches and peers when describing the senior captain of Seaford High Schools Field Hockey and Softball teams. With varsity letters in four sports; field hockey, softball, swimming and indoor track, Haley has demonstrated time and time again, she is a force to be reckoned with in any form of athletic competition. Haley earned (3) varsity letters as a freshman and over the years has collected many honors. She has been named First Team All-Conference in field hockey and Best All Around Player/Wilmer-Tull Award winner for field hockey to name a few.

“Haley is among the best athletes I have ever coached in my thirty-three years. She is any coach’s dream! She can learn to play any position on the field and has the ability to make everyone around her better.” Says Rob Perciful, Assistant Field Hockey Coach at Seaford High School

Perhaps more impressive than her athletic ability is Haley’s academic prowess, her 4.47 GPA ranks second in her graduating class. Heavily involved in extra-curricular activities, she is the Vice President of the Class of 2010, the Student Government President, Chair of the Homecoming Committee and a member of the Key Club, Haley still manages to find time to help the community in which lives. She has chaired the school blood drive, taken part in Relay for Life and been a mentor for other youth in the Bible School for Special People.

Haley credits her family and coaches, which she refers to as her second family for keeping her driven, “Growing up my parents created a great atmosphere for me to be successful, and my coaches pushed me to be the best I could be and taught me valuable lessons about sports and life in general.”

Looking forward, Haley plans on attending Salisbury University next fall and playing field hockey for the recently crowned Division III National Champion Lady Gulls and seeking her degree in Mathematics and Secondary education. Salisbury was a natural fit for Haley who hoped to stay close to home so she could be with her family and not miss watching her younger sister grow up.

“An ALL AROUND role model due to her Athletic, Academic and Community Leadership abilities, Haley Quillen is a perfect fit for the February WBOC/MOUNTAIRE Scholar Athlete of the Month Award,” cites Roger Marino, Mountaire’s Director of Community Relations. “She is a quiet leader of many and a great asset to the Delmarva Peninsula.”

To view the complete story on WBOC click here

January 2010 Scholar Athlete

Shane Miller, Sussex Central High School

From an early age Shane Miller knew he didn’t want to be like everyone else, average was just not an option. Since the age of nine he has worked hard to be a cut above the rest, honing his skills as a football player and wrestler, and studying hard to be a straight “A” student. Now in his senior year, all the hard work and dedication is paying off. The Captain of the Golden Knights Football and Wrestling teams also maintains a 4.0 GPA with a rigorous course load of honors and advanced placement classes. A chameleon of sorts, Shane plays the role of a beefed up quarterback/linebacker in the fall and a lean 152 pound wrestler in the winter. A feat requiring hard work and discipline, which Shane attributes to the drive instilled in him by his parents, teachers, and coaches who motivate him to compete at the highest levels on a daily basis.

“Competition is what drives me to be the best,” says Shane, “I don’t want to settle for average. I push myself everyday to be better than my classmates and my teammates. We all push one another to one-up each other.”

Carrying a 4.0 GPA with a full course load of honors and advanced placement courses, playing two sports, and doing volunteer work in the community might be enough to slow most teenagers, but Shane takes it all in stride…

“It can be tough sometimes,” Shane says, “But I find ways to make it work. School always comes first and sometimes I’ve got to wake up a little earlier, go to practice late or do more on weekends, but I make time to get it done.”

Ironically Miller, who inflicts pain on the football field and wrestling mat, is pursuing a career as a physical therapist, so he can one day help others deal with, and overcome, pain and injury. Something he says he enjoys more than anything.  Upon graduation this coming spring, Shane will set his sights on the University of Delaware and there highly regarded Physical Therapy program.

"Thanks to his dedication and inspiration; outstanding performance on the field of play, classroom academic prowess and as a leader mentoring classmates during hours of extracurricular activities, Shane Miller is our candidate to receive the January WBOC/MOUNTAIRE Scholar-Athlete of the Month Award.”  - Roger Marino, Mountaire Director of Community Relations.

To view the WBOC News story click here

December 2009 Scholar Athlete

Jordan Keating, Cambridge South Dorchester High School
 
A team captain of three sports, football, basketball and baseball, Jordan Keating has made it a point to excel in whatever challenges he takes on. Enrolled in advanced placement courses, Jordan shines as a straight “A” student and has done so for as long as he can remember. Says Jordan - “I set the bar high for myself at an early age by bringing home “A’s” and now that is what is expected and accepted at home.” 

Described by teammates as a scrappy player, Jordan considers himself a leader. “I’m a very competitive person,” says Jordan, “I always work to be as good, or better, than those around me, both in the classroom and in sports.” His leadership and unselfish nature go without question in the halls of Cambridge South Dorchester, as those close to him see the effort and sacrifices he makes on the field to make those around him better. Whether it’s diving for loose balls, sticking up for teammates or learning to play another position on the football field, Jordan has made a habit of putting the team first. Jordan’s leadership skills extend beyond school hours as he regularly contributes his time to work with youngsters who need guidance and educational training.

With his sights set on playing college football, Jordan is currently looking at Duke University, Georgetown University, Vanderbilt and his personal favorite, the University of Virginia. Beyond the next 4 years, Jordan has plans on going pre-med to become a pediatrician and joining the Doctors without Borders program, where he can combine his passion for helping others with his love of traveling the globe.

High school life has not come without adversity for young Jordan, during the 2^nd half of his junior year his grades slipped slightly when he began battling fatigue, bouts of memory loss, and his ability to concentrate in class was faltering. Doctors diagnosed him with Hypothyroidism, a glandular condition which caused his thyroid to quit producing sufficient amounts of hormones for the body. To regulate the condition Jordan must take a daily pill, but says there are no ill affects and he feels a 100% once again. 

“If anything I think it forced me to become a better student.” says Jordan, “Struggling with the condition forced me to learn study habits that I didn’t have before.”

Jordan’s ability to adapt and overcome is a true testament to his mental and physical toughness.

To view the WBOC News story click here

November 2009 Scholar Athlete

Nikki Parsley, Milford High School

Nikki, a two sport star for the Milford High Buccaneers, thrives on challenging herself to be the best she can be both in the classroom and on the athletic fields.  Her passion for excellence comes from her desire to uphold her family’s tradition she says, and perhaps a little sibling competition with her older brother who was the salutatorian of his graduating class.  Her typical day involves a loaded schedule of Honors and Advanced Placement College courses, followed by after school practice with the Field Hockey team, which she captains and hopes to lead to a state title in the coming weeks.  A feat she and her fellow softball teammates accomplished just last spring when they delivered a Delaware State title to the school with Nikki herself scoring the winning run in the final inning.

Upon graduation Parsley plans on attending Northwestern University in the Big Ten conference and playing Field Hockey for one of the nation’s top ranked programs.  Her goal is to one day become an American History teacher at the High School or College level where she can also coach the field hockey team.

A future Olympian? It could be in the cards as Nikki has her sights set on becoming a United States Olympian for the US National Field Hockey team.  She is currently involved in the Olympic Futures Elite program where she practices and competes against some of the best girls in the country for a shot at playing in the Nationals Futures Championship and ultimately earning a spot on the Olympic squad.  Each weekend Nikki makes a 3 hour trek to New Jersey to participate in the highly advanced program.

“Nikki always strives for a personal best and sets high academic and athletic goals for herself.” says Patricia Masten, a teacher Milford High for the past 32 years.  “110% best describes her effort, initiative and skill”.

Described as a role model for underclassmen by her principal, Dr. Phyllis Kohel, Nikki believes you must lead by example, something she says begins in the classroom and in the hallways of her school by showing respect to her fellow students and working hard everyday to be the best at whatever challenge she decides to take on.

“It’s not fun if its easy.” says Parsley, “I want to be remembered for giving everything I had in the classroom and on the field.” 

To view the WBOC news story CLICK HERE

October 2009 Scholar Athlete

Elizabeth Baker, Lake Forest High School
 
Elizabeth Baker, a three sport star, is ranked #1 academically in her graduating class at Lake Forest High School, a remarkable accomplishment considering she takes the toughest classes available to her. Heading into her senior year Elizabeth has completed 18 Advanced Placement & Honors courses.  Baker excels outside the classroom as well, for the past three years she has been a top performer for the field hockey, softball and swim teams. Her hard work and leadership on the hockey field was rewarded this fall with the honor of team captain. Away from Lake Forest High School Baker continues to be a true role model to fellow student athletes as she balances academics and athletics with her affinity for helping her community. In her junior year alone she accumulated over 500 hours of community service. Upon graduation Elizabeth hopes to attend the University of Delaware and is already looking forward to graduate school at the University of Miami where she will focus on becoming a Marine Biologist...CLICK HERE for the WBOC News story
 

September 2009 Scholar Athlete

Brad Harris, Worcester Prep.

Brad Harris, a three sport letterman at Worcester Prep, is ranked in the top 5 of his graduating class academically and currently sits as President of the Student Government. His scholastic resume also includes a perfect score of 800 on the math portion of the SAT. This penchant for math has Harris seeking an engineering degree, which he hopes to receive from one of his top three college choices; Duke University, Virginia Tech or the University of Delaware. An excellent athlete on both the basketball court and lacrosse field, Brad admits his first love is the soccer field, something his teammates certainly recognize over the years as they voted him team captain for his senior season...CLICK HERE for the complete WBOC News story     

 

'08-'09 Calendar Year Winners:

The 2008-2009 WBOC/Mountaire Farms Scholar Athlete(s) of the Year Award Winners were:

Female - Kirsten Dennig of Pocomoke High School
Male - Josh Kosiorowski of Laurel High School
Service Academy - Danny Miller of Stephen Decatur High School

Our winners were honored on Mountaire Family Night at Shorebirds Stadium where they recieved a crystal trophy and $1,000 college scholarships for thier accomplishments.  

Monthly Winner(s): 
Derek Hill - February 2009
Kerri Bailey - January 2009
Danny Miller - December 2008
Tristin Burris - November 2008
Bo Wilkinson - October 2008
Kirsten Dennig - September 2008