2015 United Way Scholar Athletes announced

NEWTON — United Way of Northern New Jersey introduced the nominees for the 2015 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 2015 United Way Scholar Athlete nominees: Craig Corti, Wallkill Valley Regional High School, Lucas Faria, Sparta High School, Paige Garland, Hopatcong High School, Patrick Harsanyi, Jefferson Township High School, Annaliese Keimel, Newton High School, Joseph LaBell Jr., Lenape Valley Regional High School, Alaina Lackey, Sussex County Technical School, Jennifer Makarevich, Kittatinny Regional High School, Kirsten Ondris, Vernon Township High School, and Lindsey Sumpman, High Point Regional High School.

“United Way is honored to present these outstanding young leaders to our community as a message of hope for a promising future,” said Mary Emilius, United Way’s chief professional officer in Sussex County. “Their natural abilities coupled with an outstanding work ethic have brought them to this prestigious program. Let this be a launching pad for their continued success in school and future careers.”

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 March 27, 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 2015 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 its United Way Youth Empowerment Alliance initiative, which is focused 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.