West Islip Students Earn Suffolk Zone Awards

The Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance recently recognized West Islip seniors Daniel Mottes and Paige Sherlock as winners of this school year’s Suffolk Zone Awards.

The two were honored at a gala awards dinner Dec. 2 at the Hyatt Regency Long Island in Hauppauge, according to a school news release.

The annual Suffolk Zone award is given to a male and female physical education student in each county high school who best exemplify exceptional physical performance, character and citizenship, the release states.

Sherlock, an active member of the school’s science research competition team, was named captain of the varsity girls soccer team this past fall and was a leader on West Islip’s 2015 girls lacrosse state championship team, the release states.

She has provided more than 80 hours of community service and looks forward to attending LIU Post this fall, where she will play soccer and lacrosse for the Pioneers.

“Paige prides herself on striving for excellence both academically and athletically, and her vibrant spirit and enthusiasm can be seen in everything she does,” said Athletic Director Tim Horan in the news release. “She believes that success in physical education will lead to success throughout her life.”

Steadfastly appearing on the principal’s list every quarter, Mottes is an active member of West Islip’s National Honor Society and Foreign Language Honor Society, according to the news release. Serving as captain of the varsity lacrosse team, where he received All-Division honors, he has also been a major contributor on the varsity football team, the release states.

Mottes completed more than 70 hours of community service and helps coach youth lacrosse in West Islip. In the fall, he will attend Binghamton University, where he will play for the Bearcats lacrosse program.

“Daniel continues to accept every challenge that comes his way,” said Horan in the news release. “He has maintained an A+ average in physical education, and with his determination and strong will, he can accomplish everything he sets his mind to.”

[Photo courtesy of the West Islip School District]