On March 6, the Arthur L. Johnson Athletic Department held their 20232024 Winter Athletic Awards. The evening, sponsored by the Crusader Athletic Booster Club, was held in the Arthur L. Johnson 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 145 varsity athletic letters were handed out throughout the evening, as participation in athletics at Arthur L. Johnson High School continues to grow.
The program continued with the Student Athlete Award, which was presented by the High School Athletic Director Mr. Gus Kalikas. 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 2023-2024 Winter Student Athlete award recipient was Gwendalyn Cahill and Dillon Cahill (Gwendalyn Cahill currently has a 4.79 G.P.A. and is Ranked #03 in her Senior Class while Dillon Caill has a 4.78 G.P.A. and is Ranked #04 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 4.231. Gwendalyn Cahill, Kaileigh Nettland, Isabella Ciccotelli, Alyssa Martucci, Mackenzie Thompson, Elizabeth Fitzharris,Avery Forfa, Alisia Hamm, Julia Lettini, Alexa Sikoriak, Jordanna Tarentino and Claire Brighouse.
The Best Teammate Award was given 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 TeammateAward Winners were: Boys’ Basketball – Aiden Raparelli, Girls Basketball – Aleyna Sahin, Ice Hockey – Dominic Fagan, Boys’Winter Track & Field – Joseph Melchionna, Girls’ Winter Track & Field – Elisabeth Brighouse, Wrestling – Jake Szarszewski, Swimming Jayden Birnbaum, Bowling – Lucas Kristen, and Cheerleading – Aleyna Sahin.
The evening culminated with the announcement of the Team Most Valuable Players. The MVPs were: Boys’ Basketball – Dean Yellen Jr., Girls Basketball – Julia Lettini, Ice Hockey – Steven Garbowski, Boys’ Winter Track & Field – Mark Hansen, Girls’ Winter Track & Field – Leah Scepkowski, Wrestling – Joey Ortega, Swimming – Jakub Szulimowski, Bowling – Justin Earl, and Cheerleading – Natalia Rojas.
Mr. Kalikas said, “ 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.”
