By Jon Dinan
MONTICELLO — Monticello High School honored it’s best and brightest athletes Friday evening at the annual Senior Athletic Sports Night in the high school auditorium and gymnasium.
Doug Murphy, who is completing his fifth year as Athletic Director at Monticello, commended and congratulated MHS student athletes and coaches for their achievements both athletically and scholastically.
Following an address by Superintendent, Daniel A. Teplesky, a sports highlight slideshow was presented.
The ceremony then moved to the gymnasium where food and drinks were served and the bulk of the awards were distributed.
The Mayor’s Trophy, an award offered to one outstanding senior athlete will go to Sean Reuss, a two-sport standout in football, basketball and headed to the University of Maine on a football scholarship.
He was not there to receive the award however, because he was playing in the Upstate/Downstate All-Star Game at the Syracuse Carrier Dome. Reuss claimed his award several days later from Monticello Mayor Gordon Jenkins.
Scholar-Athlete Awards were presented by Teplesky and Mrs. Orestano-James to students who have maintained an academic G.P.A. of 85, and 90 or better.
The Coach’s Award is given to one member from each varsity team who “exemplifies and upholds the highest standards of school service, athletic performance, integrity, and sportsmanship.”
Senior plaques were given out by Ms. Virgina Morse and Mr. Mark Sutherland to senior athletes who have at least three varsity letters.
The senior plaques are separated into three groups: the Bachelor, Master, and Doctor of Sport. Each represents a different level of athletic prestige.
Bachelor of Sport is a reward for students who have earned three or more varsity letters. Master is for six or more, and Doctor is reserved for those with nine or more varsity letters.

AWARD WINNERS
Coaches Award
Baseball: Shane Jackson
Softball: Samantha Cohn
Cheerleading (Winter): Angelica Diaz
Cheerleading (Fall): Meghan Jefferson
Basketball: Ros Djonbalaj
Boy’s Indoor Track: Terry Duncan
Girl’s Indoor Track: Tania Walker
Wrestling: Luke Evans
Tennis: Jennifer Giza
Boy’s Golf: Ryan Heins
Girl’s Golf: Haley Heins
Boy’s Alpine Skiing: Ryan Heins
Girl’s Alpine Skiing: Paulina Pavese
Nordic Skiing: Bryana Sewell
Nordic Skiing: Ian Kolaitis
Tennis: Lukas Lindwasser
Boy’s X-Country: Chris Maroldi
Girl’s X-Country: Ashley McEneaney
Boy’s Track/Field: Onique Taylor
Girl’s Track/Field: Kristen McEneaney
Football: Sean Reuss
Volleyball: Cassi Smithem
Soccer: Onique Taylor

Doctor of Sport
Erica Connors, Kaitlyn Fisher, Ryan Heins, Rachel Klein, Ian Kolaitis, Bryana Sewell, Rebecca Wood

Master of Sport
Earl Allen, Connor Briggs, Anthony Gray, Justin Mapes, Paulina Pavese, Tania Walker, Alexis Watkins

Bachelor of Sport
Connor Alvarez, Kerissa Bennett, Samantha Cohn, Jose Cruz, Steven Demestrio, Luke Evans, Jennifer Giza, Paul Gomez, Meghan Kocijanski, Noel Komatz, Garret Lapolt, Melody Mangual-Rodriguez, Kayla Martin, Nolan Mitchell, Emily Morey, Sean Reuss, Laurie Schoonmaker,Cassel Smithem, Sajeth Soundarajan, Onique Taylor, Brendan Thomas, Dayanara Torres, Victor Vargas, Stefanny Vieira, Talon Watson