Go Grant!

Grant Howard, a Newark High School senior and Boys Varsity player, signed a National Letter of Intent April 15th to attend Walsh University in the fall on a Division II scholarship. Before the signing in the NHS library, Newark Central School District Athletic Director Nick Amatulli congratulated Howard who will attend the North Canton, college in the fall on a partial athletic and academic scholarship. Amatulli commended him for taking the initiative to improve as a lacrosse player over the years and for reaching his goal to play lacrosse at the Division II level. Then Howard, flanked by his parents, Dave and Julie and older sister, Emily, _ and his coaches Matt Groot (head coach) and Henry Kuperus (volunteer assistant coach) _ signed the National Letter of Intent. And then he thanked his parents, coaches, teammates, friends, teachers, administrators, a Board of Education member and other well-wishers who’d come to the signing. One such individual is Emily Howard who had a hand in helping her brother get noticed by college lacrosse coaches, including head coach Alex Skvarch at Walsh University. She videoed plays her brother was involved in at games last year and compiled them into one video that she sent to about a dozen colleges. “I couldn’t have done it without all of you and all your support,’’ he said before receiving hearty applause.

Vice president of the senior class, Howard, who wants to be a physical education teacher after college, isn’t just a lacrosse player. He began playing soccer when he was four and played soccer in school every year since he was in seventh grade. This last year as a varsity soccer player he received an honorable mention recognition from Finger Lakes East. He has also played indoor track during all four years at NHS. He has also displayed wonderful talent in the annual musical productions each year while at NHS and, before that, for three years at Newark Middle School. He is also a member of Student Council, Interact Club, Jazz Choir and Youth to Youth Club. His signing ceremony April 15th was followed by a punch and cookie reception. And before, during and afterward, others expressed how proud they are of Howard’s accomplishments. “Grant has been in our lacrosse program since he was in 7th grade,’’ Groot said. “I think Walsh University is a great fit for him. “He’ll get a great education and continue to play lacrosse which he obviously loves.’’ After two years of playing JV lacrosse, Howard, the summer after his junior year, was a member of The Storm, a Finger Lakes regional team. He also played box lacrosse with other NHS players on Saturdays in Rochester during the last three winters. Last summer, Howard played lacrosse on the Rochester travel team Rochester Fire, coached by Rocky Delfino who teaches physical education at Monroe Community College and is the head lacrosse coach at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester. “To show you how much Grant has improved from last year to this, he scored a lot more points so far this year,’’ Groot said. Last year, Howard scored five goals and six assists for a total of 11 points. So far this year, after only four games, he’s scored six goals and eight assists for a total of 14 points.

Julie and Dave Howard are really proud of their son. They shared how he worked so very hard over the years at honing his lacrosse skills to get him to the point where he is today. “Playing lacrosse was hard for Grant at first. But he was so determined and worked on his technique every chance he got and persisted. He has come a long way,’’ Julie Howard said. “I’m so proud of him.” “Both Julie and I are very proud that Grant has taken the initiative to go after something he really wants to do. He is tenacious and his individual hard work has really paid off,” Dave Howard said. Superintendent Matt Cook is delighted Howard is on the way to achieving his goals. “Grant is one of those students who is so involved in every aspect of school life, from athletics to the drama and music program to academics. It's great to see him be able to pursue his dreams at the collegiate level after he graduates from Newark.” And NHS Principal Tom Roote said this: When thinking about Grant and the next chapters in his life as a Walsh University Cavalier my mind drifts. Sure, Grant is a fantastic lacrosse player, but his on-field talents are overshadowed by his friendly nature and the esprit de corps he carries with him at all times. I will miss my time cheering with Grant as a Sixth Man during season, his roles in our spring musicals and his easy going style. Best of luck!”

Thanks to Jim Miranda and Emily Howard for providing some photos!