2023 Winter Athletic Awards
Clark Public Schools
On Wednesday, March 08, 2023, the Arthur L. Johnson Athletic Department held their 2022 – 2023 Winter Athletic Awards. The evening, sponsored by the Crusader Athletic Booster Club, was held in the ALJ Auditorium.
All the Winter Athletic Teams and their seasons were highlighted by their coaches while handing out letters and awards to the student athletes. Over 154 varsity athletic letters were handed out throughout the evening, as participation in athletics at ALJ High School continues to grow.
The Student Athlete Award is given out each athletic season to a student athlete that is not only a champion on the field, but in the classroom as well. The 2022-2023 Winter Student Athlete award recipient was Joseph Walsh. Joe currently has a 4.30 G.P.A. and is Ranked #23 in his Senior Class.
In addition, the Crusader G.P.A. Challenge was awarded to the team that finishes with the highest overall G.P.A. amongst athletic teams for the winter season. The recipients were presented with certificates, had their team memorialized on a plaque, and will be invited for a “Breakfast with the A.D.” to celebrate their actions both in the classrooms and on the fields. The G.P.A. Challenge was for the winter season was awarded to the Crusader Girls’ Basketball Team with a G.P.A. of 4.206. Members of the Girls’ Basketball Team: Sofia DiProfio, Eva Puentes, Ashley Samsel, Gwendalyn Cahill, Georgia Sebok, Kaileigh Nettland, Isabella Ciccotelli, Alyssa Martucci, Gabriella Muretta, Mackenzie Thompson, Elizabeth Fitzharris, Avery Forfa, Alisia Hamm, Julia Lettini, Alexa Sikoriak and Jordanna Tarentino.
The Best Teammate Award is given out seasonally to one member from each athletic team that best fits the characteristics of a good teammate. The individuals that receive these awards exhibit upbeat attitudes and outstanding character. They helped influence the team’s culture in a positive manner, while always supporting teammates and promoting team unity. The Best Teammate Award Winners were: Boys’ Basketball – Matthew Froden, Girls Basketball – Ashley Samsel, Ice Hockey – Joseph Walsh, Boys’ Winter Track & Field – Kyle Gunsiorowski, Girls’ Winter Track & Field – Leah Scepkowski, Swimming – Robert Rooney, Bowling – Lucas Kristen, and Cheerleading – Kaitlyn Donkersloot.
The evening culminated with the announcement of the Team Most Valuable Players. The MVPs were: Boys’ Basketball –Thomas Woods, Girls Basketball – Julia Lettini, Ice Hockey – Anthony Jacobs, Boys’ Winter Track & Field –Spencer Prusakowski, Girls’ Winter Track & Field – Melissa Mitjans, Swimming – Kaitlyn O’Neill, Bowling –Justin Earl, and Cheerleading – Natalia Rojas.
Athletic Director Gus Kalikas, had this to say about the event: “Once again, our Winter Awards Program was a successful evening as it allows the District, Administration, and Coaches the opportunity to acknowledge a wonderful Winter Sports Season as well as recognize both student athletes and their parents alike for all that they have accomplished this past winter athletic season.”
Photos by Clark Public Schools
