The Friends of Farmingdale Athletics (FFA), in coordination with coaches from Farmingdale High School Varsity, Junior Varsity and Howitt Middle School 2007-2008 sports teams, have selected student-athletes to receive the "DALER" award.

The "DALER" represents recognition of the consummate student-athlete. These highly motivated individuals successfully combine the rigors of a demanding academic schedule with the drive, determination and dedication required to participate in their respective sporting event.

The FFA will periodically provide a brief overview of the recipients throughout the summer months in the Observer.

Kimberly exemplifies true Daler tradition and the best that Farmingdale has to offer both in the classroom and on the turf. She brings good soccer skills and leadership along with a strong knowledge of the game. "I try to instill in my teammates that it isn't always about winning or losing, even though I love to win. It is about having fun, loving the game and improving every time you step on the field." She works at improving her skills in many different ways. Kimberly plays with a travel soccer team on a Division 1 Premier team and was fortunate to be selected for the ENYYSA South State team when she played U11 soccer, where the training was exceptional. She has participated in intramural, tournament, travel, state and school soccer events since she was 5 years old. "Playing soccer for the Howitt team has allowed me not just to play the game I love, but I also get to play with all of my friends." Her plans are to continue to improve and play throughout college. Favorite subjects include physical education and American sign language. Mrs. Lapiana, Mrs. Pascioni and Mr. Peritini have proven to be strong role models for her and she would someday like to enter the teaching profession because of their influence. Sign language has been very rewarding in meeting the challenges encountered in ASL. Kim has supported community activities participating in the Breast Cancer Walk, as a CIT in summer recreation as well as volunteering in religious education classes for the past two years and the Freeport Cheerleading Competition for the past seven years. She is also a member of the Long Island Wave Lacrosse team. She sings in the chorus and plays the clarinet and was a member of the Howitt Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. Kimberly scores a goal with her definition. "A Daler is someone who is a hard working individual who loves the game they are playing. A Daler's most important trait is that they do their best to represent Farmingdale to the best of their ability and make Farmingdale proud."

Coach's Corner: Kim is an all-around amazing athlete. She is dedicated to the game and works hard each practice to improve her skills. She is one of the best players I have ever coached.

Julie has proven to be the consummate student-athlete with a drive and determination both in her educational endeavors and the softball field. She brings a fabulous outlook and attitude when she laces up the cleats. As a captain, she has been asked to sometimes run drills. "I try to help out as much as I can." She heads to practice each and every day in the effort to improve her athletic skills required of the game. Her education means a lot to her and she excels at it. "I enjoy earth science because I like my teacher and I'm good at it." Accelerated math is another favorite subject of Julie's. "I like challenges." She volunteered time for the Work Club and at Pet Smart with her mother and friend. "We take care of the cats." Julie nails it when it comes to defining a Daler. "An all-around good person . . . smart, athletic and kind to other people who always tries their best and never gives up."

Coach's Corner: Good leader, hardworking athlete who really knows the game and helps her teammates.

Ryan can be considered the natural when it comes to playing in the big ball yard. His outlook has been a huge part of his success. "I bring a positive attitude along with good sportsmanship." He has worked at improving the skills required to hit, throw and run the bases by listening to his coach's instructions and advice at practices. "Then, I would go home and practice until it became second nature."

His studies are on his list of priorities and favorite subjects are Science and Social Studies. "I like science because it is interesting and it's fun to do experiments in class. I enjoy social studies becaues I think it's very important to learn about the past and it is interesting to see how life has changed from then to now." Ryan makes the call with his definition of a Daler. "It is an honorable way to represent your school in an athletic program. I also think it's a place to make friends and build character and to learn to work as a team."

Coach's Corner: Ryan is a very respectful student-athlete who puts great effort into whatever task is handed to him.

Kaitlin is a championship-caliber student-athlete as part of "Daler Nation." "I bring sportsmanship, leadership and trust to fellow players." She always "offers assistance to my coach by setting up equipment and starting team warm-ups." She trains weekly with her team trainer and competes on a Division 1 U14 travel soccer team to improve on her soccer skills. Kaitlin has been an ODP State and ODP Select goalie. She is also a past State Cup Soccer Champion member. Kaitlin approaches her education with the same tenacity. "First, I enjoy social studies because I plan to be a US history teacher. I believe in our rights, freedoms and opportunities we all share as Americans. Secondly, I enjoy ELA because I love to read and reflect in my writing." Kaitlin is a member of the Junior National Honor Society and participates with the Awareness for Teens on Long Island group as well as the American Sign Language Club and the Island Harvest Food Drive. She plays for the Levittown U14 Soccer team, the WAVE travel lacrosse and Farmingdale Lacrosse.

Kaitlin's definition of a Daler is straight forward and to the point. "An athlete who strives to be a champion on and off the field. The Daler athlete also supports the coaches, parents and officials at all times with respect and determination."

Coach's Corner: Kaitlin exemplifies what a leader is as a hard-working player who gives 100 percent each practice. She is highly respected by her teammates and one of the best goalies I taught.

All Farmingdale residents are encouraged to contact godalersffa@optonline.net for any comments or suggestions regarding the Friends of Farmingdale Athletics. All students and parents are encouraged to participate in submitting photos or articles about their favorite school athletes and teams, from Howitt Middle School to Farmingdale High School, throughout the fall, winter and spring sports seasons. Drop a line to the FFA email address - we need your support during the 2008-09 school year. Go Dalers!