2020 Award Recipients 2020 MIAA Award Recipients MIAA Student-Athlete of the Month Award Recognizing excellence in academics, athletics and student leadership (page 2) MIAA Harry Agganis Student-Athlete of the Year Scholarship Recognizing excellence in character, leadership and community service (page 10) NFHS Spirit of Sport Award For exemplifying the ideals of the positive spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics (page 11) NFHS Heart of the Arts Award For exemplifying the ideals of the positive heart of the arts that represent the core mission of education-based activities (page 12) MIAA Coach of the Year Award Recognizing excellence in character, service, leadership and coaching (page 13) NFHS National Coach of the Year Award In grateful appreciation of outstanding service and unselfish devotion to interscholastic athletics (page 28) NFHS Section 1 Coach of the Year Award In grateful appreciation of outstanding service and unselfish devotion to interscholastic athletics (page 29) MIAA Distinguished Service Award For unique and invaluable service to the thousands of boys and girls attending MIAA member schools across the Commonwealth (page 30) NFHS State Award for Outstanding Service In recognition of service and contributions in support of the MIAA and high school athletics (page 34) MIAA Student-Athlete of the Month Award Recognizing excellence in academics, athletics and student leadership September 2019 Thomas Estella, Bishop Fenwick High School Thomas has been a member of the Bishop Fenwick High School boys’ varsity golf and hockey teams since freshman year and a member of the JV baseball team during freshman and sophomore years, where he received MVP honors his freshman year. He was named Catholic Central League Golf All-Star in 2018 and he was recently recognized as the MVP for the Peabody Cup, the annual golf match between Bishop Fenwick and Peabody Veterans Memorial High School. He is a captain for the hockey team this winter. “Thomas is always willing to help out the underclassman and demonstrates his ability to put others before himself,” stated David Woods, Bishop Fenwick High School Athletic Director. Academically, Thomas challenges himself with Advanced Placement and honors level courses. His dedication to the classroom earned him numerous academic honors. Additionally, he is active with service to his school and community, and volunteering for multiple activities inside and outside the school. Thomas’ work ethic and leadership earned him the St. Michael’s Volunteer Book Award and induction to the National Honor Society his sophomore year. “Thomas works hard in and out of the classroom to be a successful student-athlete,” said Woods. September 2019 Cierra Yim, Dartmouth High School Cierra is the setter for the Dartmouth High School volleyball team. She recently eclipsed the 1,500 assists mark, which is a rare milestone in our state. Her coach, Rachel Lassey, stated in a local paper, “She has phenomenal hands, she’s got great speed. She’s just a pure athlete. She works so hard in the offseason. She has such a positive attitude.” Cierra is currently one of six student-athletes in the state named to the Under Armor All-American national watch list. Andy Crisafulli, Dartmouth Athletic Director said, “Cierra is an all-around outstanding student-athlete.” Academically, Cierra takes challenges herself, taking multiple honors and Advanced Placement classes and maintaining a 3.57 GPA. She participates in DECA, a business club that works on leadership and communications skills, and is a member of the Dartmouth High School National Honor Society. Cierra is an “outgoing, kind hearted and a hard working individual,” said Crisafulli. When praised, she is quick to deflect that praise to her teammates. He said, “The volleyball program has benefited from her work ethic and “team first” approach.” She is the last to leave the gymnasium, making sure all is clean, and she will take the time to connect with her coaches to better develop her individual skills, and note any team related needs. Cierra has evolved into a “perfect role model for all of our participants,” he added. 2 October 2019 Jennifer Walker, Douglas High School Jenn is a three-sport athlete for Douglas High School participating in soccer, basketball and outdoor track. A four-year starter on the soccer team, Jenn was named captain this year. She was recently named MaxPreps Massachusetts High School Female Soccer Player of the Week for her achievement of 15 goals and two assists in 11 games. Mary Sokol, Douglas High School Athletic Director said, “Jennifer is a true competitor who leaves it all on the playing field, court, and track.” Jenn demonstrates her role as a leader through her sportsmanship and character. During rehabilitation from an injury in 2018, Jenn served as “sideline supporter,” mentoring and supporting the younger players on the team. Jenn is a leader at Douglas High School both on and off the field. She is a class officer and a member of the Student Advisory Council (SAC), where she meets regularly with the principal and other students to discuss pertinent school topics such as culture and communication. Academically, Jenn displays the characteristics worthy of induction into the National Honor Society including scholarship, leadership, service and character. Her strong commitment to academics and academic achievement has earned a 3.9 GPA. She has been selected to honor roll every term and her course work includes Advanced Placement and honors level classes. Jenn led two community-based service projects with her teammates, including Kick for the Cure soccer games where collected funds were donated to the Susan G. Koman for the Cure, and team participation in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society. October 2019 Davone Keovongmanysar, Shepherd Hill Regional High School Davone “DJ” has competed in athletics during his four years at Shepherd Hill, participating in two seasons of soccer, two seasons of cross country and four years of indoor and outdoor track. According to Assistant Athletic Director Mark Kelly, “DJ is a student of the sport and is very inquisitive about our training programs and workouts. He serves as a great role model and mentor for his peers, and his personality resonates with all individuals that he meets. He is friendly and willing to support his teammates in times of need. He is just a great young man and a pleasure to be around.” Academically, DJ challenges himself with Advanced Placement and honors level courses. He is a high-achieving student, and a top member of his class. His 4.03 GPA is just one reason for his induction into the National Honor Society. He demonstrates discipline and commitment to academics by working on assignments during bus rides to competitions. Kelly stated, “DJ values his relationships with teammates and knows that by doing his work efficiently, he will have time to enjoy the camaraderie he has forged with his teammates.” As an involved student-athlete, DJ looks for ways to make activities in his school successful and engaging for his peers. Whether he is setting up for a Homecoming Dance, being an active member of the Math Team or running a meeting of the Model UN to prepare for upcoming activities, DJ is involved. DJ is proud of his heritage and is “active in embracing the best that his culture has to offer” to share with his peers, Kelly noted. In spring 2019, DJ was recognized at the State House along with his teachers for excellence in environmental education. DJ hopes to pursue his passion for sustainability and the environment in college. 3 November 2019 Ryan McCallum, Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School Ryan is a member of the Bridgewater-Raynham varsity football and track and field teams. His leadership skills, combined with his athletic talent, earned him the title of football captain this fall. He is a two-way starter at offensive guard and defensive tackle. Assistant Principal Tom Bresnahan noted how Ryan, as an athlete and a person, “demonstrates sportsmanship, grit, and real determination.” Ryan is the recipient of the Bridgewater- Raynham 2019 Football Sportsmanship Award, 2019 Honorable Mention Southeast Conference All-Star and a 2018 Bridgewater-Raynham All-Star. In track, Ryan throws the shot put. Academically, Ryan challenges himself, taking multiple honors and Advanced Placement classes while earning a 3.7 GPA. Ryan is a Bridgewater-Raynham Ambassador welcoming new students to his school. Bresnahan stated, “Ryan is a positive young man that always gives his best and is able to help bring out the best in others.” Ryan gives back to his community through volunteer hours at the Hannah B.G. Shaw Nursing Home, where he learned how to care for senior citizens. He also works at a local golf club in golf operations as a caddy, and he has volunteered at local golf tournaments for fundraisers. Since the recent loss of his father, Ryan uses most of his free time assisting his mom in caring for his autistic younger brothers. Bresnahan noted that Ryan “demonstrated more courage to me than most kids I have taught or coached” following his family tragedy. Ryan is an “excellent athlete with real character” he added. November 2019 Juleimy Ambert Ortiz, Putnam Vocational Technical Academy A member of the Putnam volleyball team, Juleimy led the team to postseason play and the school’s first playoff victory. A versatile player, Juleimy excelled playing in all positions, executing many kills, digs and aces during the season. According to Bill Scott, Putnam’s Dean of Students, she is “not only a terrific player, she’s an outstanding role model, teammate and overall person,” and he said, “her love for the game” is evident. Juleimy recently described to a reporter how she views her volleyball team as “being a family” and “working and supporting one another no matter what.” She was elected captain of her team.