Principals Honor Roelke, Kirk as 'Scholar-Athletes'

Two of Ridge High School’s high achievers as athletes and students 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 seniors Evan Roelke and Kathleen Kirk. “I am honored to have been selected for this,” Kirk said at the dinner.

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.

Earning scholar-athlete honors from Bernards High School in Bernardsville were Nick Martin and Catherine Shih.

The award, according to Watchung Hills Regional High School Principal Dr. Thomas F. DiGanci, who was event chairperson, “acknowledges the accomplishments of a fine group of young men and women.”

“We recognize the excellence and commitment of our youth,” he said, adding that their achievements say that, “Anything can be accomplished.”

“The tradition of excellence continues today as a result of your outstanding achievements,” Bingert told the 24 honorees.

Roelke has earned a total of 11 varsity letters in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. As cross country captain, he led the team to a sixth-place finish at the Meet of Champions. He has also earned All-Area and All-Conference titles and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Roelke anticipates, “The time management I’ve learned is sure to help me adapt to the demanding college schedule. It’s an honor to be selected.”

Kirk was captain of the varsity tennis team, where she and her partner qualified for the state tournament, and also played lacrosse. She is also editor-in-chief of the yearbook, student body president. She also volunteers as a teacher for English as Second Language classes.

“It is important to find a balance in life, between sports, school and other activities. It helps you decide what you like to do and what you have to do,” Kirk 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.”

Martin, from the Somerset Hills School District, earned kudos in soccer and basketball, including serving as team captain. He had been a peer leader at BHS for two years and attended the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. his sophomore year.

Shih is a four-year varsity letter winner in field hockey, indoor and outdoor track and field, earning recognition in all sports. She was the state sectional indoor pole vault champion as a sophomore and the 2010 state indoor champion. She is a member of the National Honor Society.

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.