Hun’s Alex Russey, Lawrenceville’s Michael Zampardi and Pennington’s Bryce Werner have excelled on the football field, in the classroom and in the community and because of their talents and leadership they have been chosen to represent their school at the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Nationa l Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 64nd 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, Bordentown’s Calvin Nice, Burlington Township’s Jordan Wimberly, Ewing’s Ryan Greig, Florence’s Conor Clevenger, 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. Whether it is on the field or in the classroom, it didn’t take Russey long to become a part of the Hun fabric. “To interact with Alex is to adore him,’’ said Anupa Wijaya, Associate Director of College Counseling at Hun. “Alex joined Hun last year and has quickly integrated himself intovthe fabric of our community. Alex is an incredible young man who sets ambitious goals and relentlessly works to achieve them. His unmatched work ethic is complemented by his humble demeanor. Alex is the type of student-athlete who knows that success is earned through hard work and dedication, and he consistently nurtures and develops his exceptional talent both in the classroom and on the gridiron.’’ One of the Raiders top players, Russey averaged 10.8 yards a carry and 22 yards per reception. Headed to Princeton in the fall, Russey was a part of Hun’s Resident Life Proctorship to mentor younger students and organize community events. What separates Russey from so many is his ability to overcome so much.. “What truly distinguishes Alex, however, is his perseverance in the face of adversity,’’ longtime Hun coach Todd Smith. “During his junior year, Alex suffered a torn ACL — an injury that would have derailed many athletes. Rather than allowing it to define him, Alex attacked his rehabilitation with the same discipline and focus that he brought to the field. Just as he returned to full strength, he endured another significant setback, tearing his labrum during his senior season. Once again, Alex responded not with frustration or excuse, but with resolve. He became an even stronger leader, setting the standard for preparation, accountability, and mental toughness.’’ Lawrenceville’s Zampardi has displayed his own toughness and leadership and dedication to the Big Red program. “He has consistently demonstrated the ability to balance a grueling athletic schedule with the high expectations of our classrooms, proving that he possesses the time management skills and mental fortitude required of a true scholar-athlete,’’ said Lawrenceville coach Napoleon Sykes. “What truly sets Michael apart is his selfless approach to leadership. He is a rare four-year letter winner, a testament to his consistency and impact since his arrival. However, his leadership is most evident in his “team-first” versatility. Over his career, Michael has served as a utility player, excelling on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.’’ Zampardi has excelled in the classroom and in being a great role model for the younger students. “Michael’s persistence and determination have helped him succeed both on and off the field and in the classroom,’’ said Paula Clancy, Head of Library Services. “Michael has consistently earned High Honors at The Lawrenceville School, which is awarded to students with a grade point average of a 3.6 or above in some of the school’s most difficult classes. Teachers often speak of his diligence in preparing for class, his engagement in Harkness discussions, and leadership in fostering a positive classroom. Across the board, his teachers note how hardworking he is and that he is always willing to learn and grow.’’ Pennington’s Werner has performed admirably in the classroom as well as the football field “Bryce is energetic, intense, and truly a good person,’’ said Red Hawks coach Michael Watkins. “He presents a fine personal image and is a young man that has a positive attitude that reflects in his work; as well as impacts whomever he is working with. As his coach, he is a player who always went above and beyond the call of duty. He is accountable, punctual, and someone who takes control of the reigns both on and off the field. He approaches every aspect of his life with the same desire to excel and to do the very best with his abilities and talents he possesses.’ Werner’s personality is contagious and his desire to excel comes through in all he does. “Bryce is a rare combination of generosity of spirit and intellectual abilities that makes him an ideal student and classmate,’’ said his Anatomy teacher. “His teachers would all agree that he effortlessly explains complex concepts to confused classmates. I believe that Bryce is indeed one of those ever-gratifying students who take the task of accomplishing his own experience seriously.’’ ...read more read less