Maxwell Kearns of Bishop Stang High School and Melissa DalPozzo of Reading Memorial High School excelled in the classroom and in sports throughout February. And for their achievements, they've been named the student-athletes of the month.
Kearns has enjoyed a very successful interscholastic athletic career as a member of Bishop Stang's swimming and diving team. He led the squad to a Southern Swim Conference championship this past season, winning all four events he took part in during the conference championship meet.
The senior swimmer set one school record and one meet record during that championship meet. He also led Bishop Stang to a sixth-place finish in the MIAA Division II Boys Swimming and Diving State Championship Meet, finishing first in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Kearns' contributions go beyond the pool, though, as he compiled a 4.01 grade point average amidst a course load that includes honors and advanced placement classes. When he wasn't hitting the books, he was contributing to the community, even participating on the school's Captains Club.
DalPozzo, meanwhile, showed off her talents on the volleyball and basketball courts. She played on Reading Memorial's volleyball and hoops teams for four seasons, serving as a captain for each during her junior and senior years.
DalPozzo was named the Middlesex League Player of the Year in volleyball twice, and she helped lead the basketball team to an undefeated season and the 2012 MIAA Division II state championship this year.
All of this on-court success accompanies an impressive academic resume, which includes a 3.82 GPA.
"There are not many student-athletes that possess the leadership qualities Melissa DalPozzo demonstrates on a daily basis," her basketball coach, Kim Penney, said. "Some varsity team captains lead by example while others lead vocally. Melissa does both. Her work ethic is outstanding; she is a self-starter. Her teammates respect her, trust her and are better players and people because of the encouragement and support she gives them everyday both on and off the court."
DalPozzo is a member of the National Honor Society and has served as an officer for the past two years.
The "Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA)/New England Sports Network (NESN) Student-Athlete of the Month Award" is presented on a monthly basis to one male and one female student-athlete who display excellence in the areas of academics, athletics and community service. Students in grades 9-12 who attend MIAA member schools are eligible to receive the award. Monthly award winners will receive a certificate of recognition and be featured on MIAA.net, NESN.com and NESN. Nominations for the award may be submitted by principals, athletic directors, teachers, coaches, guidance counselors or other school administrators. A complete list of “MIAA/NESN Student-Athlete of the Month Award” recipients and finalists can be found under the “Educational Athletics” and "Leadership" sections at http://www.miaa.net.
