Scholar athletes named

Newton — The United Way of Northern New Jersey presented seven women and four men, one from each Sussex County High School and one from Jefferson High School, with the title of Scholar Athlete of the year during a brunch held in the Performing Arts Center of Sussex County Community College Sunday morning. Jefferson High School, despite being a Morris County school is included because it is in the same interscholastic athletic division as the 10 Sussex County schools. Each student will receive a scholarship ranging from $500 to $3,500. Each scholar athlete has a contributing sponsor. Along with academic and sports participation the level of community service is part of the nomination requirements. “The students are nominated on the basis of 40 percent academic achievement, 40 percent athletic achievement and 20 percent community involvement,” said John Mathews, who chairs the United Way Scholar Athlete committee. After opening comments from Mary Emilius of the United Way, Jim Furgeson representing Newton Medical Center and Suzanne Swank, also with the United Way, took turns introducing the scholars. The scholars were called up to the front of the room to stand while extensive biographies outlining their accomplishments were read by Furgeson or Swank. Soleil Schatteman, representing Sussex Tech, was part of the school’s submarine design team. “About six of us became divers so we could actually dive with the submarine,” she said. She trained at Dutch Springs, a flooded stone quarry in Pennsylvania. She finished her training in the fall and she said, “I would not dive anywhere cold again. Maybe in the Caribbean.” Carly Pierson of Kittatinny High School said “biology is my favorite subject.” She calls “any sciences class her favorite class.” A pre-veterinary studies student, Pierson plans to attend Bucknell University. She has two pets, a dog and a frog named Kermit. Cody Wilson of Pope John XXIII said “chemistry and computer science” are his favorite classes. He plans to pursue chemical engineering or computer engineering in college. Julianna Vitolo of Sparta High School said “Russian and English my favorite classes.” She plans to study international business in the fall. “I started Russian in seventh grade,” she said. She has been accepted by Rutgers and is still waiting for a response from Princeton University. Deanna Utter of Lenape Valley Regional High School enjoys anatomy and physiology. “We are dissecting cats right now. I have the cat practical [test] on Monday. You have to go through the body, name all the muscles and explain their actions.” She plans to major in health and exercise science at The College of New Jersey. Shane Brown of Wallkill Valley Regional High School enjoys studying world history. He has applications in to The College of New Jersey and Ramapo College. Kevin Boyd of Newton High School got his start as a pole vaulter when a friend convinced him to give it a try. His architecture and biology classes are his favorites. He has applications at several colleges. Marissa Arahill of Vernon Township High School enjoys anatomy and physiology, and biology. A member of the cross-country team, she “enjoys running uphill because it is easy come down,” she said. “I like running in the woods because it is so scenic." Some of the trails near Vernon High school are part of the Appalachian Trail. She has been accepted into the physician assistant program at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa.