BOSTON, MA �
Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) partnered once again to honor student-athletes from across the commonwealth as part of the annual Massachusetts Student-Athlete Citizenship Awards.

The annual event was held to honor high school student-athletes who excel in the classroom, on the playing fields, and have shown a commitment to community service. The award ceremony was held on April 24, 2001 at NU's Blackman Auditorium in conjunction with National Student-Athlete Day (NSAD). NSAD, established by Sport in Society in 1987, is annually celebrated across the country on April 6. The national sponsor of all Sport in Society events is Reebok.

"It is always a special day when we take time out to celebrate our high school student-athletes for being such positive role models in their communities," said Kevin J. Matthews, the events coordinator and Director of the Northeast Regional Office of the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS), one of the co-sponsors of the event.

"Sport in Society, the MIAA, the NCAS, and Reebok have shown tremendous support for this event and for the citizen leaders we celebrate today," said Matthews.

(left-right) NCAS Regional Director Kevin Matthews, MIAA Deputy Director Bill Gaine, Sport in Society�s COO Allyce Najimy, and Director Richard Lapchick.

To give the event a high energy kick off, the members of the Northeastern University Cheerleading Squad, got the crowd rocking with a electrifying routine which featured some acrobat high throws by the highly-training collegiate student-athletes.

Motivational remarks were then provided by Sport in Society Director Richard Lapchick and MIAA Deputy Director Bill Gaine, Jr.

Sport in Society Director Richard Lapchick delivers his motivational speech while a sign language interpreter signs to the audience.

This theme to this year's event was "Today�s Citizen Leaders."

Approximately 180 high school student-athletes were in attendance along with their chaperones. Forty Seven (47) high schools from across Massachusetts gathered at Northeastern University's campus, including an all-time high of seven (7) schools from Boston's inner-city school system.

Each schools athletic director or sports coach selected four high school student-athletes, two male and two female, who uphold the pillars of NSAD -- success in academics, athletics, and a dedication to community service. These select young adults represented the best of the best of Massachusetts high school student-athletes, most of which boasted at least a 3.0 GPA.

All 254 registered student-athletes were mailed a personalized certificate designating them as award recipients.

While the day itself to honor the cream of the crop of Massachusetts student-athletes, it was also a day to learn. An adult and student featured speaker address the audience to encourage them to continue on their path to success, provide personal anecdotes, and suggest ways to continue to strike a balance once they advance from high school to college.

Willette White, NU Women's Basketball Coach, and Kristin Deatherage, an NU Women's Volleyball Player, were this year's featured speakers.

In addition, three panels were held on topics essential to success.

The "Striking a Balance" panel discussed managing athletics, academics, and community service.

It featured:

• Joanne Maldari (Academic Advisor, University of New Hampshire)
• Jamil Abdullah (Basketball Player, Roxbury Community College)
• Christopher Barton (East Bridgewater High School)
• Caleb Pelger (Peabody High School)

Algonquin High School student-athlete Matt Samberg offers his insite during a panel presentation while fellow high school student-athlete, Dalina Chawalit of Peabody High School, listens on.

The "Achieving Success" panel outlined goals and strategies for overcoming obstacles.

It featured:

• Malcolm Wynn (Head Basketball Coach, Roxbury Community College)
• Marcus Blossom (Basketball Player, Northeastern University)
• Dalina Chawalit (Peabody High School)
• Matt Samberg (Algonquin Regional High School)

The "Making A Difference" panel highlighted opportunities to give back to your team, your class, and your neighborhood.

It featured:

• Jeff O'Brien (Director, Mentors in Violence Prevention Program, MVP)
• Ally Martin (Corps Member, Athletes in Service to America)
• Mark Scialadone (Beverly High School)
• April Hanson (Minuteman Regional High School)

In 2001, over 311,000 student-athletes were honored across the country as part of NSAD.

Sport in Society Senior Associate Direcor Allyce Najimy on stage with all of the high school panelists.