Awards

Starry nights

Liberty’s Block “L” and Monticello’s Senior Sports Awards banquet tout year’s finest in county’s two largest school districts

By RICHARD A. ROSS

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — when it comes to outstanding efforts by athletes in Sullivan County schools you literally can’t say enough. That said, coaches, presenters and administrators gave it their best shot at two annual athletic awards ceremonies held this past week. In both schools, a musical slide show by this writer served as a visual reminder of the year’s milestones and the storied athletes who made it a year to remember.

On June 2, Liberty High School hosted its Block “L” Athletic Awards Ceremony. Athletic director Jason Semo served as moderator. Awards were given by coaches for sports in each of the three seasons, far too many to list here, but each presented to deserving athletes who gave their all. The night’s most prestigious awards were saved for last as Dontrea McLaurin and Alyssa Corbett won the Elizabeth “Betty” Totten Sportsmanship Award, and Calvin Henry and Jeni Stolow received trophies as winners of the Liberty Rotary Club “Perseverance” Award. Finally, Brandon Tompkins and Kirsten Sauer were named as the Tom Kelly Outstanding Senior Athletes.

Two nights later, it was Monticello High School’s turn to laud its athletes, but in the case of the Monties, the night was centered primarily on seniors. After superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel shared his thoughts about how athletes were learning the value of making sacrifices, especially in these lean times, the slide show preceded a scrumptious dinner and the awards. Retiring coach Kyle Hoar was honored for his 32 years of service to the district. Awards were given by each coach for his/her most outstanding player. Scholar athletes were touted who made the Superintendent’s List with a GPA of 90 or better and the Principal’s List with a GPA of 85-89.

Athletes who earned a minimum of three varsity letters including their senior year were given Bachelor of Sport plaques; six or more received Master of Sport plaques; and those with nine or more received Doctor of Sport plaques. That most prestigious group included Colin Bunce, Anastasia Bowden, Thomas Gonzalez, Lianna Hollander and David Wilbur.

Wilbur was the recipient of the night’s most coveted award, the Mayor’s Trophy. This was the 20th year the award was presented. Monticello Mayor Gordan Jenkins made the presentation to the three-season runner who has qualified for states in cross-country, indoor and spring track.

For details of the awards nights, including all of the winners and albums of photos, visit sportsinsightsny.com.