ICYMI: West Orange Athletes, Track Coach Honored at County Awards Ceremony

A pair of West Orange High School student-athletes and the school’s track coach were among those recently honored at the Essex County Athletic Director Association (ECADA) Awards.

West Orange Seniors Anna Lackey and Andrew Cumming, along with 73 other student-athletes from schools across Essex County, were recognized at the award ceremony held on May 12 at Mayfair Farms.

Lackey, who is the captain of the girls volleyball team, is in the top 10 percent of students at WOHS, according to officials from West Orange Public Schools. She will be attending the University of Pittsburgh, where she plans on pursuing a degree in mathematics.

Cumming, who is the co-captain of the lacrosse team, is in the top 5 percent of students at WOHS, according to the release from West orange Public Schools. Additionally, he hold a 4.7 overall grade point average (GPA) and is the co-president of the Fight for Green Club and is a member of numerous honor societies. Cumming will be attending the inaugural Honors College at Rutgers University, where he plans on majoring in environmental science, school officials said.

In addition to honoring student-athletes, longtime WOHS teacher and retired track coach Joe Suriano was recognized during the award ceremony.

Suriano began teaching as an English teacher at WOHS in 1969 and began his coaching career in 1971. During his coaching career Suriano coached many great athletes, including five All-Americans and three students who qualified for Olympic Trials, and he coached teams to the State Championships in 1976-1977, according to the school district. The West Orange High School boys track team recently won the Essex County Relays in 2014.

Additionally, Suriano has received many awards and distinctions throughout his career. Suriano Stadium at West Orange High School was named in his honor, and he was named Teacher of the Year in West Orange three times, a Coach of the Year 16 times and Essex County Coach of the Year twice.

“Your victory may make you a winner,” Suriano said in the release,” but it is your spirit that makes you a champion.”

Family members of the student-athletes and officials from school districts across Essex County were present for the ceremony.

ECADA President and Master of Ceremonies Todd Smith left the students with encouraging words as the ceremony drew to a close. “You are the best of the best,” he said. “You have learned early to pay it forward. Now go and leave the world a better place.”

(Photos courtesy of West Orange Public Schools)