Calvin Nice and Conor Clevenger are two very talented athletes, and although they might approach things a little differently, the one very impressive trait they both possess in the leadership they display, on and off the field. Nice, who stood out for Bordentown on the field, is homeschooled, and Cl evenger has been a standout player at Florence. Both have in so many ways have shown to be perfect examples of a scholar, leader and athlete worthy of being selected as their school’s honoree at the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 64th Annual George Wah Scholar-Leader-Athlete Awards Dinner. The dinner begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday March 8th at Princeton Marriott at Forrestal. Scholar-leader-athletes from 20 schools in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties are being honored with $30,500 in scholarships awarded. For dinner/ticket information contact Steve Tuckerson at 609-202-4166 or email [email protected] While individuals from the coaching, officiating, collegiate and youth football ranks are honored, the stars of the program are the Scholar-Leader-Athletes of the Delaware Valley, chosen by their respective schools based on their achievements in academics, in their community, and on the playing field. All scholar-leader-athletes will receive at least a $1,000 scholarship. The Delaware Valley Chapter will also present the following top scholarships: $5,000 Jack Stephen Scholarship, $4,000 Steven “Coach Gaz” Gazdek Scholarship, $3,000 Ron Rick Sr. Scholarship, $2,000 Ed Cook Scholarship and $1,500 Ed “Windy” Morris Scholarship. The Robert F. Casciola Distinguished American Award is the most prestigious award bestowed by the Chapter. This year’s recipient is Ken Fisher, Owner/President of Nassau Communications and a member of the Chapter’s Board of Directors for two decades. The Chapter’s George O’Gorman Contribution to Amateur Football Award will recognize Jon Adams, who spent 33 years at Nottingham High School as head football coach and athletic director. Hank Johns Coaches Award is Stephen Everette, Burlington Twp., Brandon Deckard from West Windsor-Plainsboro will be recognized as the John McKenna Assistant Coaches Award, the Jack Milliard Officials Award will be presented to Will Mansfield, the Contribution to Youth Football Award will be presented to Darnell Taylor of the Florence Township Football League, the Delaware Valley Chapter Little Scholar is Brady Rowan, from the Hopewell Valley YFCA, the Eunice Kennedy Schriver Champion Award honoree is Joseph Burr, the Nick Gusz “Good Guy” Award will be presented to Bob Harris, the Tony Persichilli Meritorious Award goes to Breanne O’Neill, from WBCB, the Judge Arthur Lane/Princeton University Scholar-Leader-Athlete recipient is Marco Scarano and the Earl H. Dean/The College of New Jersey Scholar-Leader-Athlete is Dylan Patscher. The high school Scholar-Leader-Athlete seniors being honored are Allentown’s Kevin Cunningham, Burlington Township’s Jordan Wimberly, Ewing’s Ryan Greig, Hamilton West’s Brody Hunt, Hightstown’s Aidan Schendlinger, Hopewell Valley’s Matthew Helmrich, Hun’s Alex Russey, Lawrence’s Zack Hartman, Lawrenceville’s Michael Zampardi, New Egypt’s Clyde Ferris, Notre Dame’s Dominic Cuniglio III, Pennington’s Bryce Werner, Princeton’s Anderson Potter, Robbinsville’s Drew Damasiewicz, Steinert’s Gabriel Pena Bak, Trenton’s Aivaye Ingram and West Windsor-Plainsboro’s Kavin Kumar. Being homeschooled, there were some anxious moments for Nice when he arrived on the football field as a freshman, but his personality, work ethic and dedication to be the best he could be quickly shone through. “His commitment to be the best was evident the past three years to me,’’ said Bordentown coach Skip Edwards. “Through perseverance and commitment to improve his play on the field and setting goals has made him a true team player. In his junior year of football his teammates elected him to be a co-captain of the team.’’ It’s example of the leadership Nice exhibits in his life on and off the football field. There is much more too Nice than just football, though. He is heavily involved with the Mason Academy Theater Group as an actor and a director. Nice has developed scripts and casted many performances. Nice is an accomplished musician playing the Alto Saxophone. He is involved in his church, St. Gregory the Great; he did a weeklong volunteer service with Project Appalachia in Preston County, West Virginia; and he was involved in providing the restoration on services in Liapay, Peru. His community and worldwide involvement is off the charts. “Calvin is always a light bringing out the best in others, from his visits to his grandmother’s memory care facility, to the time invested leading our homeschool student Shakespeare productions,’’ said Homeschool Coordinator Joanna Nice. “Calvin stepped up to fill the director role for Shakespeare. Students from fourth through twelfth grade worked independently to put on entirely student-led Shakespeare plays. Calvin’s volunteer experiences show promise of manifesting great service to his nation and humanity, including quiet, everyday interactions to inspire the best in others. “Calvin brings out the best in others on the football field as well, where Bordentown Regional allows homeschoolers to participate in athletics. He motivates teammates through right action and hard work. Like any good offensive lineman, he removes obstacles to allow others to flourish, benefiting the whole community by his efforts.’’ Clevenger has established himself as a quality in the halls of Florence High as he is the Student Council President and an exemplary student. Besides being a two-year captain on the football team, Clevenger is an active member of his church community. He was also an American Legion Boys State Delegate, a member of the Farm to Table Club, a volunteer at the Brookdale Senior Living facility, and he delivered Thanksgiving Meals and helped with donations and providing Christmas gifts for those struggling to provide for their family. “Conor embodies the true spirit of the scholar-athlete, excelling academically, athletically, and as a servant leader within his community,’’ said Flashes coach. “Beyond athletics, Conor represents his school with distinction as Student Council President and as an active member of the National Junior Honor Society. He is deeply committed to his faith and dedicates his time to numerous church and community service initiatives, including community caroling event, and volunteering at local youth football and baseball camps.’’ Clevenger’s teach Rodney Roberson has seen the many qualities he brings to the classroom and to everyday life. “Conor is a highly motivated student who consistently holds himself to rigorous academic standards,’’ said Roberson. “He approaches coursework with preparation, focus, and a genuine desire to understand material rather than simply complete assignments. His success in the classroom is not accidental; it is the result of careful time management, self-discipline, and an ability to balance demanding academic expectations alongside the significant commitments required of a varsity athlete.’’ Nice and Clevenger are two leaders on the same path to success. ...read more read less