The Wheatley School Physical Education Department is proud to announce that Lauren Viola and David Fink have been selected as Outstanding Physical Education students. Criteria for their selection were exceptional performance in physical education, scholarship, leadership qualities and service to the Wheatley school-community. Lauren and David will be honored for their selection at an awards banquet that will be held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on Dec. 11. The awards program is sponsored by the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Lauren is a dynamic young lady with boundless energy and a wide range of interests. She has been a straight "A" student throughout her high school years. As a physical education student, Lauren's test scores, skill development and attitude have been exemplary. She has maintained a high profile in a variety of school and community programs. She is president of her class and is a member of the Spanish Club, Key Club, World Affairs Club, and a member of Mock Trial. She has also been designated as an AP Scholar and National Merit Commended Student and has been inducted into the Spanish and National Honor societies. Lauren is a three-sport athlete, participating in tennis, basketball and lacrosse. Somehow, Lauren finds time in her busy schedule to volunteer her considerable talents to serve the needs of others. For seven years, she has been active in the Long Island Enterprise Volunteer program, and she is active in her church. She has worked to raise funds for the Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, and completed a community service project in Costa Rica. Last summer, Lauren was a volunteer Candy Striper at Winthrop-University Hospital.

While pursuing a highly competitive academic program, David has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average. In the physical education setting, David participates with enthusiasm, is considered a leader among his peers, and has achieved an outstanding record of accomplishment throughout his high school years. He is six-year starter on Varsity Tennis team and will be captain of the team this spring, 2007. David is currently ranked No. 3 in the Eastern Region of the US Tennis Association and 75th in the nation. He has held a leadership position in his class government and is a member of Mathletes and the Varsity Club. David has earned All-County honors in tennis and has been a highly recruited tennis prospect.