Ellenville Athletic Director Ronald Chiasson sang the praises of the many young athletes that participated in the fall sports season, many of whom were present during the recent Ellenville Central School District Board of Education (BOE) meeting. Chiasson relayed details of victories won, and the players hard work and perseverance. He announced that although it wasn’t their best fall season as far as wins and losses, it was a very successful one, especially in the display of teamwork.

A total of 202 student athletes participated in fall sports, and of that number, seven teams had an average grade point average (GPA) of over 90%. They were recognized as scholar athletes by the NY State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). Every high school in New York is governed by this organization. To be recognize as a school of excellence, 75% of the school’s team must have a GPA of 90% or higher. Ellenville made the list. (See the above slide show for photos of each of the teams.)

The seven teams from Ellenville High School recognized by the NYSPHSAA were the girls’ volleyball, soccer, tennis and field hockey teams, and the boys’ soccer, golf, and cross-country teams.

In addition, 64 student-athletes who achieved a GPA of 90% or greater in the first marking period were introduced and presented with award certificates of recognition by the NYSPHSAA. Those who were present at the BOE meeting came forward to receive their certificate of honor with proud handshakes from Chiasson and Superintendent Lisa Wiles.

In addition, Gabi Castro and Jessica McHugh were recognized for their prowess on the soccer field. McHugh was also named a Section IX Class B All Star.

Koltin Pickell received special recognition in boys golf for earning twelfth place in the MHAL championship. Chiasson bragged about these young golfers, consisting of eighth, ninth and tenth graders, just as he did the girls, commenting on how precise they hit the ball.

For boys and girls cross-country, and football, special recognition was given to Jacob Wright, Dylan Nero, Ryan Thompson, Nathan Towne, and Casimiro Pomales Jr. Pomales received several accolades, including being the seventh player in EHS to have run the 1,000-yard and the third athlete in history to do it more than once. He was also selected as the first Team All-State in New York State.

“The All-State selection gets a banner on the gym wall with just his name on it,” Chiasson announced. Pomales has also accomplished 54 touchdowns by the run and 63 touchdowns overall in his high school football career.

Chiasson finally wrapped up the presentations with a big thank you to the athletes, booster club and the BOE. Wiles quickly added a heartfelt thank you to parents as well for the long, relentless days and weekends, and the commitment they have shown right alongside their children. Board President Phil Mattracion echoed the same to the student athletes and everyone involved.

The meeting then moved right into a discussion over a suggested alumni wall. “We have many, many graduates of Ellenville alumni that have real notable accomplishments… so we’re compiling a list,” said Superintendent Wiles in response to the question asked about the purpose of the alumni wall. It will be mainly for the students to see the history of those gone before them and their lifetime achievements as adults.

Mattracion also suggested a hall of fame for the arts, an idea generated by a local resident. This wall will recognize many talented individuals who have graced the halls of Ellenville High School and have gone on to be very successful in various genres of art and studio productions. This committee will be comprised of board members and parent volunteers.

Another focus point of the meeting was the “Go Beyond Greatness” proposals review, presented to the board by Deputy Superintendent Kelly White. This year, Go Beyond Greatness will offer three, rather than two, career readiness programs, she shared. The three programs are: Map My Future (college and career), Speak Like a Pro (public speaking), and Build Your Brand (personal branding).

“In all three programs, students will have access to fieldtrips that are paid for through the proposals, to networking events, college visits, business visits, wellness activities,” White explained. She encouraged students and families to become more acquainted with these programs and get involved, to take advantage of the benefits and gain the value they hold.