Saucon Valley Students Receive Awards, Scholarships

Two students--senior and junior Paul Sloand--were recognized at the June 14 school board meeting for receiving the Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award.

This prestigious award is presented annually to two athletes per school (one male, one female) for displaying courage, poise, self-confidence and leadership, according to Sgt. Michael Stevens.

“Near the end of each school year, local Marines contact each school in our region asking for nominations for outstanding athlete, outstanding scholar and outstanding musician,” Stevens said. "School officials, athletic directors and band directors each give their nomination to the local Marine who then generates the certificate to be presented to the individual during each school's awards night."

According to Saucon Valley Athletic Director Bob Frey, each of the high school’s athletic programs can nominate an athlete who best fits the description of this award. Nominations are then compiled and each athletic program receives a vote, submitted by the head coach.

“Although selection of the award recipient is left completely up to the (school), the Marine Corps has designed the award to be given to the young persons who epitomize the adage, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going,’” Stevens said.

Marri and Sloand both expressed their gratitude for receiving the award.

“I am very honored as an athlete to have received this award because I have two cousins in the Marines and an uncle who is a retired general,” Marri said.

Sloand said he was proud to have received the award and “looks up to those who serve the country as heroes.”

Marri has been a member of Saucon Valley’s cross country, basketball and soccer teams.

Sloand is a member of Saucon Valley’s wrestling team.

To be nominated, a student must be enrolled in grade nine through 12, participate in a school sponsored sport, and be recognized as an exemplary young citizen and role model for younger students while performing as a varsity athlete.

Also recognized for their accomplishments at the meeting were graduates and Marina Hierl.

Oatis is the recipient of a $400,000 scholarship from the U.S. Coast Guard, which is for students who plan to major in math, science or naval engineering.

He will be trained at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., commissioned as an ensign upon his graduation, and required to complete three years of service with the Coast Guard.

Hierl was presented with a ceremonial check from the U.S. Navy in recognition of a $180,000 scholarship award toward college tuition.