Lakewood Senior Honored As NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A Lakewood High School senior has been honored as an NJSIAA scholar-athlete for the 2019-2020 school year.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association program has been honoring student-athletes for 27 years. The students are chosen by their high schools from graduating seniors.

Denise Bautista, a soccer and softball player for the Piners, was chosen for the honor.

"Given the very challenging year we’ve all faced, it’s particularly important to recognize the academic achievements of New Jersey’s student-athletes," said Colleen Maguire, the NJSIAA's chief operating officer. "I’m certain each certificate recipient worked hard not only in the classroom and in competition, but also in overcoming the hurdles presented by the closing of all school buildings. Despite the difficulties, they all continued to pursue their goals and dreams."

More than 7,700 students have been honored since the inception of the program in 1993.

The NJSIAA, which was established in 1918, is a voluntary, nonprofit organization comprised of 436 accredited public, private, and parochial high schools that oversees high school athletics in New Jersey. The NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 32 sports.

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