MarLin, PA – On Sunday evening, the Schuylkill County Scholar Athlete Banquet was held at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29, hosted by the Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
This year's event marked the 64th anniversary of the Scholar Athlete program, recognizing student-athletes for their achievements in football, academics, and leadership.
Each school district nominated a student-athlete based on outstanding football ability and performance, academic excellence, and exceptional school leadership and citizenship. Notably, this year’s banquet included a historic first: the nomination of the program’s first female scholar athlete.
The event was attended by Schuylkill County football coaches, school administrators, honorees, and their families. Continuing a tradition, each head coach was accompanied by a ninth-grade football player to inspire the younger athletes and give them a goal to strive for in the future.
Honorees
- Tyler Stahley - Blue Mountain
- Kyle Pollack - Mahanoy Area
- Aidan Milkovits - Marian Catholic
- Logan Rizzardi - Minersville Area
- Samuel Spolski - Nativity BVM
- Gavin Mentzer - North Schuylkill
- Frank Shubeck - Panther Valley
- Brayden Lyons - Pine Grove Area
- Luke Schane - Pottsville Area
- Leyden Hertz - Schuylkill Haven Area
- Brayden Lutz - Shenandoah Valley
- Declan Coleman - Tamaqua Area
- Ryan Colahan - Tri-Valley
- Sage Smeltz - Williams Valley
Distinguished Speakers
Dr. Matthew Smarkanic, a past scholar athlete and current member of the Schuylkill Chapter No. 25, served as the evening's Master of Ceremonies. Speakers at the event included:
- Dr. Stephen Toth, Schuylkill Chapter President
- Christine Duey, Principal of Williams Valley High School, who reflected on her experiences as a Varsity and Big 33 Cheerleader
- Gabriel Kamarousky, President of Geisinger St. Luke’s in Orwigsburg, who shared how lessons learned on the football field helped shape his professional career
Award Presentations
Schuylkill County Commissioners Larry Padora and Gary Hess presented awards to outstanding teams and individuals, including:
- Williams Valley Viking Football Team – District XI Class AA Champions
- Tri-Valley Bulldogs Football Team - District XI Class A Champions
- Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes Football Team – Schuylkill/Colonial Football League Blue Division Champions
- Eli Doyle – Writer and broadcaster for T102 Sports Now, winner of this year’s Touchdown Tips contest
Each scholar athlete received the traditional blue blazer while a biography, including quotes from their coaches and administrators, was read aloud in their honor.
Schuylkill County Scholar Athlete Award
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Schuylkill County Scholar Athlete Award, which was bestowed upon Samuel Spolski of Nativity BVM.
Upon receiving the prestigious award, Spolski remarked, "It's an honor to accept this award. I would like to congratulate all the scholar athletes; it shows all the dedication and hard work we put in on and off the field."
Addressing the freshman football players, Spolski imparted words of wisdom: "Cherish every moment you have. If you want to be successful and happy, you need three things. First, God – God is love and will bring you happiness in the end. Second, resilience – trials will come, but resilience will help you overcome them and grow stronger. Lastly, you need people who care about you – those who push you to become the best version of yourself."
In addition to receiving a trophy, Spolski’s name will be added to the Schuylkill Chapter’s revered three-tiered traveling trophy, alongside the names of the 63 previous winners. The trophy will be proudly displayed at Nativity BVM until next year's banquet, serving as a symbol of excellence and inspiration for future scholar athletes.
