Scholar athlete nominees announced

NEWTON — United Way of Northern New Jersey introduces the nominees for the 2014 United Way Scholar Athlete program, recognizing 10 outstanding Sussex and Morris county high school students who excel in athletics, academics and community service.

The following 10 students are the 2014 United Way Scholar Athlete nominees:

Jinan Andrews, Vernon Township High School

Danielle Beniulis, Jefferson Township High School

Hannah C. Bibeault, Hopatcong High School

Caitlyn Brunner, Sussex County Technical School

Emma Chick, Wallkill Valley Regional High School

Brett Conrads, Newton High School

Allyson Frei, High Point Regional High School

Dominic LaBell, Lenape Valley Regional High School

Kyle Lackey, Kittatinny Regional High School

Shirley Wang, Sparta High School

“United Way is proud to present students who shine at school and in athletics, but who also have a lot of heart,” said Mary Emilius, United Way’s chief professional officer in Sussex County. “These students set a high bar for their peers and show that hard work and caring can make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.”

This program is an example of United Way’s investment in education for area youth, providing ways for them to get engaged and make a positive contribution to their community. During the next two months, and leading up to a formal banquet, each nominee will attend speaking engagements with area service organizations, gaining valuable experience in public speaking and a deeper understanding of the community.

At a United Way banquet on April 4, the nominees will be presented with various awards and scholarships recognizing their individual achievements. In addition, one student will be awarded the top scholarship prize as the 2014 United Way Scholar Athlete.

Since 1985, United Way has recognized outstanding high school student achievement in Sussex County for athletics, academics and community involvement. Each year, local businesses, organizations and individuals sponsor a senior from each area high school who has achieved distinction in these three disciplines.

The United Way Scholar Athlete program funds various violence prevention programs in area schools and has supported an annual middle school Positive School Climate Summit each fall, which involves more than 1,300 Sussex County students. The full-day retreat encompasses cyber-bullying and interpersonal violence prevention techniques. United Way supports the summit as part of a focus on providing every child the opportunity to reach his or her full potential in a safe and nurturing school environment.

For more information about the United Way Scholar Athlete program, email Mary.Emilius@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973-579-3040.