On an annual basis, the Mineola Athletic Booster Club recognizes deserving Middle and High School student-athletes for their dedication to their individual athletic endeavors. The MABC Scholarship program encourages the use of outside training initiatives as a goal to improve the performance of the Varsity sports teams at Mineola High School. Mat Sanderleaf, president of the Booster Club, is proud to announce the group of 2005-2006 recipients which total in excess of $5,000 in scholarship grants.

This marks the sixth year the Booster Club has awarded scholarships to district athletes. The recognition raises the self-confidence of the athletes and augments the school district's excellence in coaching with off-season training, conditioning and skill development. All of these students are involved in a variety of outside interests that span both local and long distance competition. To be considered for the honor, each athlete must be a member in good standing of the Booster Club. The awards provide funding to attend camps in their athletic specialty or offset costs incurred while playing for an externally affiliated sports organization. All members of the Booster Club are eligible for a scholarship every two years with a validly completed application. Senior scholarship, sportsmanship and Athlete of the Year Awards are awarded separately.

This year's eighth grade winners include Kristen Hock, Michelle Morrison, Tess Alexander and James Pastoressa. Kristen, continuing the Hock legacy in Mineola athletics, and James have concentrated their efforts on the sport of soccer. Likewise, Tess hits the pitch via her Long Island Junior Soccer League club affiliation in tandem with Julia Novak, one of the ninth grade recipients. Michelle is using her proceeds to further develop her passion for basketball.

Additional ninth grade stipends were provided to John Carlo Clancy (baseball) and Gregory Lapin (track). Two TJ's, sophomore Gessner and freshman Winters, applied their proceeds to respective AAU basketball programs. Tenth graders Jamie Medlock, from another traditionally strong Mustang family, and Brandon Havercome are also focusing on the hardwood. Terry Mooney will continue his upward mobility on the baseball diamond with his award.

Rounding out the list are the junior honorees including varsity quarterback Jonathan Hock (football), Christopher Granath (wrestling) and the heralded Mobyed twins, Kristen and Lauren (jointly pursuing lacrosse). The success of the MABC Golf Outing in June provided the ability to grant four supplemental scholarships among the following worthy players: ninth graders Robert Sallie and Caitlyn Taveira. Freshman Emily Kain and junior Kurt Hetzer used the golf allocation to benefit their lacrosse talents. The awards are the second for Gessner, Jon Hock, and the Mobyeds.

The Mineola Booster Club is an independent organization working in tandem with the administration and athletic department of Mineola High School. All student-athletes and coaches are encouraged to become members of the Booster Club, which entails only a nominal fee. The club conducts monthly open meetings (usually the first Tuesday) in the High School Library at 7:30 p.m. and all are invited to attend. The Booster Club voluntarily operates the concession stands at various athletic events and conducts two major fundraisers each year. The Mustang Stakes is one of the most sought after events of the year, conducted in late winter, and tickets are always in short supply. The annual golf outing is presented in late spring at Harbor Links. The MABC also sells Mustang apparel and other school spirit items. The Mineola Athletic Booster Club website appears within the Athletics banner on the Mineola School District web. All officers and members of the MABC congratulate the winners of this year's scholarships for their dedication and appreciation for athletic advancement.