Congratulations to Chima Oparaji and Anastasia Vishnevskaya! The George F. Baker High School seniors have been named Scholar-Athletes by the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA Sports). Each year the awards are given to high school seniors “who have distinguished themselves in the classroom and in the athletic arena.” The four guidelines for selection are: top 20% class ranking, participation in at least one varsity sport, an above average athlete, and outstanding citizenship.
Opraji (Varsity Cross Country) and Vishnevskaya (Varsity Volleyball) got the news on Monday from Interim Athletic Director Marco Margotta and their respective coaches Bill Brunner and Michelle Hines. Joining them were Superintendent Jeff White and Principal Roy Reese.
Coach Brunner says Opraji, “embodies what it means to be a scholar athlete, excelling both on the running path and in the classroom. Chima was a leader to the team and will be greatly missed next year as he heads off to Princeton.”
Coach Hines calls Vishnevskaya, who will be attending the University of Rhode Island in the fall, “a dedicated captain” and “dependable player” who led the team on the court with her “competitive and supportive attitude.” Hines went on to say, “(Anastasia) has always been a joy to coach, with a constantly optimistic and uplifting personality. I will miss having the privilege to coach her next year."
Oparaji, Vishnevskaya and the rest of the county’s scholar athletes will be recognized by the OCIAA during a breakfast at the Country Club at Otterkill in June. Congratulations!