Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf recently held its annual Sports Awards Luncheon in honor of student athletes. Recognizing them for their participation in sports such as soccer, cheerleading, basketball, softball, volleyball, track and swimming, all the athletes were presented with certificates for contributing to Mill Neck Manor sports teams. First year athletes received congratulatory certificates, second year athletes received school letters and third year athletes received M pins and Mill Neck Manor T-shirts. In addition, trophies were awarded to players who made remarkable improvements over the course of the season, or who were exceptionally valuable to the sport and to their teammates.

Many students were applauded for their sportsmanship. Rewarded for their enthusiasm, Mayte Morales and Jhovaughn Palmer received Most Improved Player, Male and Female trophies. Two-time winner Amanda Geffen was acknowledged as Most Valuable Player for track and field and Most Improved Player for volleyball. Michael Brotosky and Jeffrey McGregor, members of the boys varsity basketball team, were named Most Valuable Player and Most Improved Player, respectively.

Three athletes who persevered through practices, exciting wins and tough losses received special plaques. Student Jordan Beasley was honored with the Wendy Topoozian Memorial Award, named for the late Mill Neck physical education teacher and pesented in recognition of a student's dedication to swimming.

Student Johan Sanchez was presented with the Anne C. Leo Memorial Award, named for another Mill Neck Manor physical education teacher who died in 1990. Johan received the award because of his athletic spirit and courage, as well as his dedication to the junior varsity basketball team.

The Sosnowski/McCarthy Award, named for a former supervisor and counselor at Mill Neck Manor, was presented to senior Rhoxanne Cajuelan, known for her leadership skills, enthusiasm and team spirit. She plays for the girls volleyball team and is a member of the track and field team.

Athletic Director Larry Manning introduced two new awards, Most Outstanding Male and Female Athletes of the Year. Sophomore Michael Brotosky, a member of the soccer, boys varsity basketball and track and field teams, and senior Frances Sorrentino, who plays for the girls volleyball and girls varsity basketball teams, received the awards for their many contributions to sports and exceptional leadership abilities.

Mr. Manning acknowledged the school's coaches for their outstanding assistance during the school year, and presented them with coach T-shirts. Seven graduates were also presented with Mill Neck Manor jackets in appreciation of their accomplishments. "We'll miss you, seniors. Thanks for all your hard work," said Mr. Manning.