Schools
Gardner, Corboz Honored as Scholar-Athletes
Somerset County High School Principals' Association recognizes 'excellence and commitment.'
Two of Watchung Hills Regional High School’s finest were honored Wednesday night by the Somerset County High School Principals’ Association as scholar-athletes.
Honored at the 28th Annual Somerset County Interscholastic Athletic Association (SCIAA) award dinner, held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Somerset were Chris Gardner and Daphne Corboz.
The award, according to Watchung Hills Regional High School Principal Dr. Thomas F. DiGanci, event chairman, “acknowledges the accomplishments of a fine group of young men and women.”
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“We recognize the excellence and commitment of our youth,” he said, adding that their achievements say that “anything can be accomplished.”
Each of the principals in the Somerset County high schools nominated two students (one male and one female) “for their work in the classroom and in the athletic arena,” explained Hillsborough High School Principal Karen Bingert, president of the principals’ association.
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“The tradition of excellence continues today as a result of your outstanding achievements,” she told the 24 honorees.
Gardner is in the top 10 percent of his class, taking Advanced Placement and Honors courses while participating in varsity wrestling and track for four years and varsity cross country during his first two years; in all, he has earned 10 varsity letters.
As wrestling captain, he won 95 matches and both the county and district wrestling titles. He was also a member of the school-record-setting 4 x 1600m relay team.
A member of the National Honor Society and English and French honor Societies, Gardner was selected a Hugh O’Brien Leadership recipient and Boys’ State attendee.
Gardner acknowledged, “Time management is important. It also gives us things to do that we enjoy.”
Corboz is a four-year All-State varsity soccer player, leading the team to the North Jersey section II Group IV Championship, Skyland Conference Championship and Somerset County Championship.
During her soccer career, she scored 97 goals with 57 assists. In the top 10 percent of her class, Corboz is an Advanced Placement scholar and member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society and Spanish Honor society. She also volunteers as a coach in the Player Development Academy.
“This is really an honor because we’ve worked so hard. It’s great to be recognized for the work we’ve put in, both in the classroom and on the field,” Corboz said.
Following the introductions of the honorees, DiGanci told the audience, “You have just witnessed 28 extraordinary individuals who are only 17. We are in good hands.”
Also recognized during the event were three Somerset County principals who are retiring at the end of the 2010-2011 school year: Edmund H. Jones of Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School, Dr. James Riccobono of Bridgewater-Raritan High School and Timothy O’Halloran of Somerville High School.