Maroon and White Lauds 2024 Student Athletes
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Moira Crouch presents Joe DeCrescenzo with a cake and a plaque.Diligent student-athletes, who frequently balance six days of practice and games with rigorous academic work loads, other extracurricular activities, time with friends and family, volunteer work, and so much more, often don’t get the credit they deserve. Many SHS athletes participate in a sport all year round and their dedication to their teams can have them missing holidays, vacations with family, and sometimes even days of school. This sort of effort and commitment deserves to be recognized and thankfully Maroon and White, the parent booster association that supports athletics, physical education, and student health at Scarsdale High School and Scarsdale Middle School, celebrates these students with a BBQ and a thoughtful award ceremony at the end of each year.
At this year’s ceremony, on Tuesday June 4th, athletes (with a special focus on seniors) were honored not just for their athletic achievements, but also for their character, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Director of Athletics, Ray Pappalardi welcomed all of the athletes and applauded them for excelling in their “academic and athletic pursuits, surviving the game changes, late buses, long practices, and other challenges that only come from participation in interscholastic athletics.”
Mr. Pappalardi also proudly explained that, “This year, every team [at SHS] has met the NYSPHSAA criteria for scholar-athlete teams. So, Scarsdale High School will be recognized as School of Distinction for 100% of our teams achieving Scholar-Athlete status.”
Timberger Family Presents the Elizabeth Timberger Memorial AwardThe Elizabeth Timberger Memorial Award was the first award of the evening and was described by Amy Frank, co-president of Maroon and White, as an award that honors an outstanding senior who helps a team and/or the athletic program, not as a student-athlete, but through a role that supports a team and/or the athletic department (such as a manager, statistician, audio-visual assistant, play-by-play person, mascot, or sportswriter). This year’s recipient, manager of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team, Charlie Ferdman, is known for, “always being on time, attending all the practices and games, she was dedicated, energetic and always positive.”
Next, the Nina Mooney Award was presented to a senior female athlete who “displays commitment, enthusiasm, spirit, concern for others and a positive work ethic. The nominees reflect the highest level of dedication to their teams and sports, and the award does not have an academic requirement.” This year’s winner, Shannon Kelly, is described as being thoughtful and compassionate and exemplifies the true meaning of the Nina Mooney award. In addition to going above and beyond in support of her teammates, Shannon was named Honorable mention all-Section in Field Hockey, has set new school records in the girls 800 meter and girls 4x800, and won Nationals with some of her teammates in a Medley Relay. She was captain of the Winter and Spring Track & Field this year. She is not only an outstanding athlete, but also a conscientious, hardworking student. This year’s award winner will be continuing her track career in the Fall at The College of the Holy Cross.
Trevor Knopp received the Knopp award.The Nonie Knopp Memorial Award was then presented to a senior male athlete who displays commitment, enthusiasm, spirit, concern for others and a positive work ethic. The nominees reflect the highest level of dedication to their teams and sports, and the award does not have an academic requirement. This year’s recipient, Trevor Knopp was described by his coaches as someone who, “displays the positive attitude, dedication, devotion, enthusiasm, and spirit of Nonie Knopp. He is the kind of student-athlete coaches dream about. He works hard in practice, never takes a play off, mentors teammates, and brings out the best in others.”
One coach described this year’s winner as “one of the absolute toughest players and fiercest competitors we have had the pleasure of coaching at Scarsdale. He pushes himself and his teammates every single day. His work ethic drove him to greatness, and forced others to step up their game. He is a vocal leader and a player that leads by example. Where it’s in practice or at games, in any situation you know you can count on him in big moments throughout the season. “He sets the tone.”
Ivy Boockvar received the Peppers AwardThe Peppers Award was established as a leadership and spirit award for one female and one male senior athlete, who distinguished themselves through their dedication and hard work in games and practice, through their unselfish adherence to sportsmanship and team play, and through their active encouragement of all team members.
The recipients of this award are also required to achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5, as measured by the most recent grades available at the time the selection is made.
This year’s female winner of the Pepper’s Award, Ivy Boockvar is not only a member of the high school’s Signifer Honor Society, but she also played three sports and volunteered her time to help mentor young girls as a coaches assistant. She was named All Section, All League twice and All Section Honorable Mention for Soccer. She was named All League and All League - Honorable Mention for Basketball and was All Section and All League twice and Player of the Year for Flag Football and is described as “being a selfless player and is respected by her teammates and brilliantly passionate.”
Max Siegel received the Peppers Award Max Siegel, the male recipient of the Pepper’s Award, had an incredible athletic career at Scarsdale High School and an impresseive academic record. “His coaches have seen him as a back up, as injured, and as a starter, and he embraces whatever role is needed for the team, whether that means filling up water during a time out, cheering from the bench, or uplifting a teammate who made a mistake. His switch from playing ice hockey forward to ice hockey goalie to meet the team’s needs and keep playing best exemplifies his dedication, flexibility, character and team mentality.” He was named All-League two years, All Section one year and Captain of Boys Ice-Hockey this year. He played football and was awarded All-League last year and All-Section first teams this year as well as Captain of the Football Team.
The girls tennis team won the state championship.Amy and her co-president Moira Crouch Bandsma, went on to congratulate teams and individuals that saw success at sectional, regional, and state championships, drawing special attention to the girl’s tennis team who won their second consecutive State Championship title. The team included: Coach Jennifer Roane, Carly Alin,Kay Cottrell, Charlene Dong, Emma Ha, Emily Hyman, Katie Kendall, Isabel Lin, Giana Marks, Natasha Pereira - Captain, Jalyn Ryu, Yelena Sahakyan - Captain, Maya Vora - Captain, Sophia Wu.
Boys Soccer TeamThe boys soccer team was also celebrated for their State Championship win. Their team included:
Head Coach Marcos Monteagudo, Assistant Coach Andrew Nagel, Assistant Coach Carlos Vasquez, Assistant Coach Peter Squiteirri, Jose Alava Marino, Nicholas Bates, Daniel Cisneros Lacruz, Federico Dager, Matan Davies, Alexander Duval - Captain, Lorenzo Galeano, Zachary Grossberg, Marc Hajjar, Chase Halpern, Ishaan Joshi, Lucas Kantor - Captain, Leo Khang, Fabian Kulle, Justin Laing, Janghee Lee, Logan Lim, Brian Lourenco-ReisHenry McAllister - Captain, William McAllister, Miles Newman, William Nicholl, Zachary Ruback - Captain, Santiago Rudloff, Shaay Shaleh, Yosuke Sato, Lev Stahl, Caden Zemachson, Zephyr Connolly - Manager, Thomas Kronenberg - Manager
The girls golf team also saw success at the sectional and state level with Junior Emma Lee snagging second place at the 2024 NYSPHSAA Girls Golf Championship and the Scarsdale Team topping the high school leaderboard!
Girls’ Golf Roster:
Head Coach Barney Foltman, Evelyn Black, Sophia Black, Liya Chu, Maya Dhiman, Chloe Ji, Allison Kahn, Carolyn Lee, Elle Lee, Emma Lee, Sophia Peyser, Anjali Shoetz, Rory Winston, Zoe Winston.
Kevin Jiang was recognized for his swimming success and winning the Section Championship in the 50 Freestyle race and the NYSPHSAA & Federation Champion in the 100 Freestyle.
Indoor Track & Field teams and individuals were congratulated for their wins at sectionals. Section Champions include:
Leia Patel 600m
Zoe Dichter 1000m
Lily Streicher 3000m
4x200 (Maria Roberts, Leia Patel, Eva Gibney, & Ari Sobel)
4x400 (Alice Nicassio, Shannon Kelly, Morgan Greco, & Zoe Dichter)
4x800 (Rachel Rakower, Cami Culang, Lexie Kiley, & Sydney Geringer)
And at the New Balance National Indoor Track & Field Championships, Shannon Kelly (800), Leia, Patel (400), Maria Roberts (200), & Ari Sobel (200) were named National Champions in the Sprint Medley Relay!
Thomas Iasiello was honored for his success in wrestling as he was named Sectional Champion!
The Boys’ Golf team was celebrated for their Section One Championship win. And it seems this win comes on the heels of success in 2017, '18, '19 (not held '20), '21, '23, and '24! Their team included: Justin, Reece, Leo, Cole, Thomas and Sajiv
Sam Saeed and Jack Reis
In Boys’ Tennis, the Doubles Team, Sam Saeed and Jack Reis made it to the final round at the State Championship!
Track Sectional ChampionsTrack & Field Individual Sectional Champions included:
1600 M - Rishi Shadaksharappa
4x800M - Tyler Hogan, Brandon Cascade, Jack Sherman, & Charlie Rich
800 M - Shannon Kelly
2K Steeplechase - Rachel Rakower
4x400 M - Ari Sobel, Leia Patel, Zoe Dichter, & Shannon Kelly
After recognizing these special accomplishments at the sectional, regional, and state level, Mr. Pappalardi took time to salute the 22 seniors who are going on to compete in a sport at the highly selective, collegiate level. These athletes include:
1. Adelia Bandsma - Lacrosse - Smith College
2. Zephyr Connolly - Basketball - Geneseo
3. Veeran Dhaliwal - Crew - Cornell University
4. Samantha Fenigstein - Softball - Union College
5. Nina Franco - Lacrosse - Fairfield University
6. Mili Fukada - Track & Field - Soka University of America
7. Jacob Goldstein - Lacrosse - Hamilton College
8. Matthew Hill - Wrestling - New York University
9. Kevin Jiang - Swimming - University of Pennsylvania
10. Sabrina Katz - Lacrosse - Wesleyan University
11. Shannon Kelly - Track & Field -The College of the Holy Cross
12. Trevor Knopp - Lacrosse - Ithaca College
13. Bryan Manheimer - Swimming - New York University
14. Skylar Matusz - Lacrosse - Gettysburg College
15. Parker Mauro - Field Hockey - Wesleyan College
16. Joseph Sharpe III - Volleyball - Queens University of Charlotte
17. Elahe Sherrell - Soccer - University of St. Andrews
18. Maxine Silverman - Lacrosse - Lehigh University
19. Ariella Sobell - Track & Field - Kenyon College
20. Daruis Toosi - Track & Field - Bates College
21. Alina Zhang - Fencing - Yale University
22. Ian Zhou - Crew - Colby College
Iron Athlete Award RecipientsMoving on to announce the last awards, Pappalardi first described that the Iron Athlete Award is given in recognition of interscholastic athletic participation in grades nine through twelve, for every season at Scarsdale High School, totaling twelve consecutive seasons. Athletes honored for this accomplishment included:
Sidonie DeHarveng, Emilia Gomez, Shannon Kelly, and William (Oscar Langford).
Joe De Crescenzo, who is retiring this year, was recognized for his service and contributions.And in a special Iron Athlete award presentation, Joe De Crescenzo, who is retiring at the end of this school year was recognized for his “service and tireless efforts providing countless student-athletes with opportunities to participate in interscholastic athletics. Your commitment to our students, coaches, and staff has built a strong foundation for our programs and your legacy will continue to serve all involved for years to come.”
After a brief speech, De Crescenzo went on to present the The Scarsdale High School Scholar Athlete Honor Society Award and explained that it was started in the name of Grant Geiger in 1969 and is presented to top senior athletes who exemplifies:
● Dedication to their sport
● Competitive spirit
● Performance on and off the field of play
● Performance in the classroom, GPA of 3.5 or higher
● Positive attitude
● Citizenship
● Sportsmanship
Jack Greco Jr and Abby Feuerstein won the Scholar Athlete Honor Society awards.
The winners of this year’s awards were Jack Greco Jr and Abby Feuerstein.
Ray Pappalardi In detailing the Scarsdale Raider Award, the last award of the evening, Pappalardi said, “A Scarsdale Raider will possess the attitude, work ethic, resilience, and leadership qualities to change the outcome of a game, culture of their team, or quality of a season by their presence. A Scarsdale Raider is a student‐athlete that any coach would desire on their team and whose positive contribution to the greater athletic program can be felt through their own athletic contributions as well as the contributions of others whom they have influenced. I need to add that this award was created eight years ago to acknowledge the contributions of those student-athletes who, typically, do not have the stats or receive traditional recognition such as All-League, All-Section or even MVP. Instead, this award recognizes all-heart, all-hustle, all-effort, and always there when you need them.” This year’s recipients of the Raider Award were William Oscar Langford and Emilia Gomez.
The Boys Golf team included: Justin Liu, Reece Schneider, Leo Chu, Cole Gerson, Thomas Kronenberg and Sajiv Mehta.
In their inaugural year, the Girl’s Flag Football team had a lot to be proud of! The team not only won sectional and regional championships, but they were also NYSPHSAA Division 1 finalists. The Flag Football team included: Coach Newkirk, Mindy Genovese, Talia Arovas, Gianna Asen, Ivy Bookvar, Leah Brown, Sophia Cortes Nieto, Avery Dickstein, Naomi Fischer, Drew Frank, Emilia Gomez, Zachary Grossberg, Danielle Horn, Kate Kattan, Addison Lazarus, Reese Newman, Chloe Paquin, Katerina Rvacheva, Yuri Sato, Brady Silberfein, Sekana Slivjanovski, Lilly Tessler, Stella Van Arsdale.
Saeed and Reis Win the NYSPHSSA Section 1 Tennis Championship
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Jack Reis (left) and Sam Saeed (right) congratulate each other after having won the Section 1 championshipThe Scarsdale doubles team of Sam Saeed and Jack Reis won the NYPHSAA Section 1 Boys Tennis Championship on May 22, 2024. In the finals, the junior Saeed and sophomore Reis beat Horace Greeley’s team of Ben Singer and Adam Fink 6-3 6-2 at Harrison High School.
The Scarsdale team did not lose a set in any of the six matches they played to win the championship. They now look forward to playing in the state individual championship at the USTA National Tennis Center, Flushing, NY. The state championship starts on May 31 with finals scheduled for June 2.
Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game
To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit https://www.shotsofthegame.com/
Sam Saeed gets ready to return serve.
Sam Saeed reaches for a difficult backhand volley
Jack Reis is about to hit his serve
Jack Reis hits a running forehand
Sam Saeed (left) and Jack Reis (right) rush the net together
Jack Reis (left) and Sam Saeed (right) hold their trophies and the tournament draw where they went six rounds without losing a set
Scarsdale Varsity Baseball Defeats Various Tigers
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It’s no secret that Scarsdale and Mamaroneck are each other’s biggest rivals when it comes to sports. Not only for baseball, but lacrosse, football, soccer and the list goes on. On May 6th the Scarsdale Varsity baseball team traveled to Mamaroneck High School to take on the Tigers.
The regular season is coming to an end and playoffs will begin soon. Success in these next few games is essential for Scarsdale to get a good playoff seed and face less difficult opponents.
The game began with Scarsdale scoring a run quickly in the first inning, but Mamaroneck responded by scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the third making the score 1-2. Despite the efforts of Scarsdale pitcher Gil Krausz who had 5 strikeouts and played all 7 innings, it looked like the game was going to be won by the Tigers. But the Raiders banded together in the top of the sixth inning to score 2 more runs putting them ahead 3-2. Additionally, in the seventh and final inning, Scarsdale added one more to make the final score 4-2. One of the players who made this victory possible was Koji Hirata who was 2-4 and had an RBI. Another player who was vital to this win was Bret Hole who was 2-3 and had an RBI as well.
Two days later, on May 8th Mamaroneck went to Scarsdale’s field for a rematch and the Tigers controlled the game. They allowed Scarsdale to score no runs and by getting hits almost every inning the Tigers scored a total of 4 runs to shutout Scarsdale 4-0.
The Raiders split the series with their rivals, but Mamaroneck wouldn't be the only Tigers that Scarsdale would face. This time, they would face the Tuckahoe Tigers.
The Raiders met Tuckahoe at home on May 11th in a game that went down to the wire. Neither team scored for the first six innings and much of the Raider’s dominance in the field was thanks to starting pitcher Gil Krausz who had an incredible 13 strikeouts. The game looked like it was going to go to extra innings, but in the bottom of the seventh, everything changed. Senior Captain Max Timberger started by hitting a triple-deep center. It traveled all the way to the wall where the entire bench erupted in joy. Right after that, Sophomore Henry Lamberg hit a sacrifice pop fly that was caught, and Timberger ran home and made it before the ball arrived. Scarsdale got the win 1-0.
Scarsdale is 1-0 against Tuckahoe and 1-1 against Mamaroneck. Additionally, they played the White Plains Tigers at the start of the season and won with a final score of 2-0. Their record against all Tigers teams this season is 3-1.
Girls Flag Football Team Proceeds to the Finals
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Ivy Boockvar (10) leaps to evade two would-be tacklers from MahopacScarsdale and Mahopac High battled in the semifinals of the Section 1 Division 1 Girls Flag Football playoffs at Scarsdale High School on May 15, 2024. Mahopac jumped out to an early lead but the top-seeded Raiders eventually got rolling and came away with the win 31-18.
The two-time section champs continued their winning streak and will continue to the finals on May 18, 2024.
Talia Arovas (14) takes the handoff on a sweep and gains 10+ yardsThough the Raiders usually make a strong start, it wasn’t the case in the semi-final game on Wednesday May 15, 2024. Mahopac got the ball first and despite forcing them to third downs, the away team went up first with a touchdown, but a failed extra point. This early dominance by Mahopac continued on their first drive defensively. On the first play, they forced the Raiders to throw an interception and had great field position. As a result, they scored another touchdown but failed to get the extra point again. The score at this point was 12-0 and Mahopac was in control, but the Raiders had other plans.
Naomi Fischer (5) breaks free and goes all the way for a touchdown
The offense was slowly moving up the field where they got around the mid-field right before the momentum of the game shifted. Boockvar threw a screen pass to #5 Naomi Fischer who ran 40 yards to the endzone. They failed to get the extra point making the score 12-6. Back on defense, the Raiders started off strong with some key tackles by #2 Asen, but it wasn’t enough to stop Mahopac from getting another touchdown. However, for the third time Scarsdale contained the extra point making the score 18-6.
Talia Arovas (14) and Brady Silberfein (11), help Naomi Fischer (5) celebrate her touchdown
The next drive for the Raiders was by far their most interesting when Boockvar became a receiver and #4 Lilly Tessler became quarterback. Tessler was able to find Boockvar for a 20 yard pass and a pass interference was called on the defense. After this, Boockvar returned to quarterback and Tessler to receiver. The drive ended with Boockvar finding Asen for a 10 yard touchdown pass, but failing the extra point. The score was 18-12 and the Raiders were coming back.
The rest of the first half consisted of strong defense from both sides as Scarsdale’s Asen, #7 Yuri Sato and #19 Leah Brown tackled almost every play the Mahopac offense ran. The clock wound down and it was halftime. Despite mistakes early on, the Raiders looked like the better team and the second half would prove that.
The Raiders offense started with the ball and got off to a hot start. The team decided to continue their dual strategy where Boockvar would pass to Tessler and vice-versa. Boockvar had two long scrambles that resulted in the team getting to the goal line. To finish the drive, she connected with Asen for a short touchdown pass, but they weren’t able to take the lead due to failing the extra point again. The score was all tied up 18-18 and the cushion Mahopac had was gone.
Emilia Gomez (6) and Yuri Sato (7) make a valiant effort to grab the flag from a Mahopac runner
Mahopac was moving quickly down the field and it looked like they were going to score, but the defense was able to contain every run play at goal line. As a result, it was a turnover on downs and the defense held Mahopac from a touchdown by only a few yards. The offense finally had a chance to take the lead. Due to a few screen passes to Asen, the offense was able to get into the red zone. Boockvar scrambled for ten yards to get the touchdown and finally succeeded in the extra point, due to #11 Brady Silberfein making the score 18-25.
Lilly Tessler (4) evades getting her flagged pulled and makes a jump pass
The defense continued to hold the line where they forced a turnover on downs and it was clear that the game was almost guaranteed to go the Raiders. The Raiders were able to capitalize when Boockvar had a 20 yard touchdown pass to #12 Sekana Slivjanovski, making the score 18-31.
Gianna Asen (2) is all smiles after scoring a touchdown
Brady Silberfein (11) fights for additional yards
The game ended with #18 Reese Newman intercepting the Mahopac quarterback in a good representation of defensive dominance. Time ran out and with a final score of 18-31, Scarsdale is going to the Section 1 Finals for the third consecutive time.
Scarsdale next plays New Rochelle in the finals on Saturday, May 18 at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak.
(Update) The Raiders proceeded to the section final against New Rochelle at Lakeland High School where they again triumphed 21-8. The Raiders utilized Boockvar and Tessler at quarterback and when one of them wasn’t throwing, they were catching. Scarsdale was up 21-2 for much of the second half. When New Rochelle finally put a touchdown up late in the second half, it was too little too late. The Raiders now move on to the regional finals where they will play at Hendrick Hudson High School against Brewster High School. Game time is at 5 pm on May 23. If Scarsdale wins regionals, they will go on to the state finals and play in Cortland.
Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game
To see more game photos and/or download photos, please click here.
Emilia Gomez (6) and Leah Brown (19) fight to get the flag of a tough Mahopac runner
Chloe Paquin (9) gains additional yards after making a reception
Ivy Boockvar (10) leaps and makes a great catch
National Merit Announces Six Local Scholarship Winners
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On May 8, 2024 National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced this year’s National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.
These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
Here are the names of the winners from Scarsdale:
Henry Brinberg – Edgemont High School
Ronald Feng – Rye Country Day School
Evan D. Merzon – Edgemont High School
Natasha Rose Pereira – Scarsdale High School
Yejin Sung – Scarsdale High School
Nathaniel J. Yellin – The Leffell School
National Merit $2500 Scholarship Winners
NMSC finances most of these single-payment National Merit $2500 Scholarships. Corporations and company foundations that sponsor awards through NMSC also help underwrite these scholarships with grants they provide in lieu of paying administrative fees. Donations made to NMSC’s President’s Fund also provide funding for National Merit $2500 Scholarships. Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
2024 National Merit Scholarship Competition
This year’s National Merit Scholarship Program began in October 2022 when high school juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Last fall, the highest-scoring participants in each state, representing less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors, were named Semifinalists on a state-representational basis. More than 16,000 Semifinalists had an opportunity to continue in the competition.
From the Semifinalist group, over 15,000 students met the very high academic standards and other requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. By the conclusion of the 2024 program, more than 6,870 Finalists will have earned the “Merit Scholar” title and received a total of nearly $26 million in college scholarships.
NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was founded in 1955 specifically to conduct the National Merit Scholarship Program. The majority of scholarships offered each year are underwritten by approximately 320 independent corporate and college sponsors that share NMSC’s goals of honoring scholastically talented youth and encouraging academic excellence at all levels of education.
