At the April 28 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSSA), the state organization which governs interscholastic athletic competition in New York State, presented Scholar Athlete Awards to those Garden City High School Athletic Teams whose total grade point average was a 90 or higher.

Dr. James Tolle spoke before the assembly of parents, students, residents, and members of the Board of Education, on behalf of the NYSPHSSA, and expressed his personal joy and satisfaction in being able to recognize the scholastic achievements of the Garden City students who are both talented athletes and gifted academics. Athletic Director Nancy Kalafus presented special certificates to the teams on behalf of the high school and the district as students with the highest grade point average for each team accepted them on behalf of their teammates.

Robert Menger (with a GPA of 97) accepted the certificate on behalf of the Boys Basketball Team. Jared Keating (with a GPA of 100) accepted the Boys Track's certificate. Bobby Rogers (with a GPA of 100) accepted the certificate for the Boys Swim Team. Gregg Verutes (with a GPA of 98) accepted the certificate on behalf of the Wrestling Team. Jennifer Rodman (with a GPA of 100) recieved the certificate for the Fencing Team. MaryBeth Hogan and Erin Kutner were tied for the highest GPA on the Girls Basketball Team (with GPAs of 99) and so they both accepted the certificate for their team. Jennifer Johnson and Allison Bondansa also were tied (at a GPA of 92) for the highest GPA on the Girls Bowling Team and so they also collected their certificate in unison. Lauren Matteini (with a GPA of 94) represented the Gymnastics team. Carolyn Cosentino and Catherine Guy (both with a GPA of 98) accepted the certificate for the Girls Indoor Track Team together.

Members of the Boys Indoor Track Team not only received the certificate from the school and the congratulations of Dr. Tolle on behalf of the NYSPHSSA, but they were given a huge blue and yellow banner declaring them the New York State Champion Scholar Athlete Team. With a comined average of 97.4, the Boys Indoor Track Team has demonstrated Garden City High School's dedication to ensuring that athletics and scholarship are incorporated into the education of the student body in a balanced fashion. Acting School Board President Rudy commented that he was happy to see that athletics did not interfere with the academic achievement of so many of Garden City's students, as is sometimes the fear of many educators.

In addition to the Scholar Athletes honored at the April 28 Board of Education meeting, Heather Hussey, a senior at the high school, was just named the recipient of the EAB-News 12 Scholar Athlete Achievment Recognition Award. Heather Hussey, with a 1300 on the SATs and an unweighted GPA of 97.5, is an oustanding academic. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the treasurer of the Society Honoraire de Francais, and president of the G.A.A.

Heather Hussey is captain of the Varsity Hockey Team and plays Varsity Lacrosse. She was recognized for her exceptional abilities and her critical role on the 1997 State Champion Lacrosse Team and recieved the Woman's Sports Foundation Award. The National Organization of Women named her a Young Woman of Achievement, she was featured in Newsday's special In the Spotlight column, and she has just recieved the Madison Square Garden/Daily News Scholar Athlete of the Month Award.

Nancy Nicolls, assistant manager of the EAB at Roosevelt Field branch came to Garden City High School to present Heather Hussey with this prestigious award. Principal John Okulski and Athletic Director Nancy Kalafus were both there at the presentation to provide support and to give her their heartfelt congratulations.

The Garden City High School Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their athletic talents at the Annual Sportsfair which is scheduled for May 9. The Men's Association of the Garden City High School invites all residents to watch the important contests between Garden City High School and the 1996 Boys Lacrosse Champions from Bathpage High School, the Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team from Farmingdale, the Chaminade Flyers Baseball Team, and a middle school lacrosse match against Manhasset. The schedule is subject to change, but the first match is currently scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Check with the high school to verify the times. Complimentary refreshments will be served by The Men's Association. Come and support the Garden City athletes.