Healy, Stothoff join group of elite DelVal Scholars
New Egypt High’s Connor Healy played his football Southeast of Mercer County while North Hunterdon’s John Stothoff practiced his craft Northeast of the county. They share a common ground, however, as both were outstanding two-way players who excelled in the classroom.
Healy and Stothoff are their schools’ honorees at the 57th Annual George Wah Scholar-LeaderAthlete Dinner, sponsored by The Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame.
The dinner is March 10, 4 p.m., at the Princeton Marriott. Players from 22 schools will be honored with $1,000 scholarships, while three special winners will receive the $5,000 Jack Stephan Scholarship, the $2,500 Ron Rick Sr. Scholarship, and the $1,500 Ed Cook Scholarship.
For tickets or ad book information, contact Ron Hoehn at 609-731-6610.
Colonial Valley Conference players being honored are Aaron Bennett (Trenton), Michael Quigg (Hightstown) Robbie Bennett (Nottingham), Krystian Hajduczka (Lawrence), Nick Campbell (Allentown), James Kim (Ewing), Eddie Fennell IV (Hamilton West), Steven Doldy (Hopewell Valley), Evan Collins (Notre Dame), Connor Coffee (Princeton), Paul Milo (Robbinsville), Tim Toomer (Steinert) and Brian Zhong (West Windsor-Plainsboro).
Mercer County prep school honorees are David Harris (Peddie), Diassa Diakite (Lawrenceville), Malcolm Brunson (Hun) and Brandon West (Pennington). Other area school athletes being recognized will be Jack Parker (Bordentown) and John Woolston (Florence).
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri will receive the Robert F. Casciola Distinguished American Award, George Kloutis will receive the Contribution to Youth Football and Jack Rice is the Youth Scholar Award winner. Charlie Thompson will get the George O’Gorman Contribution to Amateur Football Award, the Nick Gusz Good Guy Award goes to Sharron Grady, Abe Johnson will receive the Jack Millard Officials Award and Brian Pitts is this year’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver Champion. Other honors will go to Max Busca (TCNJ’s Earl H. Dean Scholar-Leader-Athlete), Tom Johnson (Princeton University Judge Arthur Lane Scholar-Leader-Athlete) and Santuzza Oilers (Tony Persichilli Meritorious Service Award).
Healy was a three-year varsity starter at middle linebacker, quarterback, guard and fullback. He earned first-team All-Division linebacker honors as a senior, and firstteam All-Division and third-team All-State guard as a junior. He finished with 108 solo tackles, 58 assists, 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss, while rushing for 360 yards, catching 27 passes, throwing for 659 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. Connor was also an AllConference selection in baseball.
“Connor was a quiet leader who always went above and beyond on the field to do the right thing,” Warriors coach Steven Fence said. “He consistently displayed exceptional sportsmanship and a keen awareness of the game of football that contributed not only to his personal success, but the success of his team as a whole.
“It was expected that Connor would establish himself as a leader of his league in all statistical categories but I was delighted to be able to see up close what a coachable and upstanding young man Connor really is. He is quietly determined and gifted in his abilities, but not arrogant on or off the field. Connor is a shining example of someone who consistently does their best and pushes those around him to contribute their best as well. He personifies what a teammate and leader should be.”
A National Honor Society member for the past two years with a grade-point average of 3.8, Healy has been a first-team All-American Scholar recipient, a Lakewood VFW Scholarship recipient, and a BSN Sports National Scholar Program recipient. He is a U.S. Coast Guard Academy A.I.M. Program’s Distinguished Honor Graduate. Connor serves as a volunteer assistant for New Egypt Cal Ripken baseball and at Rein Dancer Farm.
“Connor was first introduced to me as a student in my 11th grade Honors English class,” NEHS teacher Sam Palumbo said. “He became an integral part of the processes, constantly attempting to ask questions, mainly for the benefit of the class or team as a whole. He was both inquisitive and insightful, many times allowing those around him to attain an advanced level of proficiency with respect to the content being studied. Connor was not only a welcomed addition to my classroom environment, but he also lent his multitude of talents to the school extra-curricular programs and surrounding community.”
Stothoff was a standout at both center and defensive line (41 tackles last year) for the Lions, serving as a team captain as a senior and helping North Hunterdon to a state sectional championship as a junior. A three-year varsity performer, John was a two-time first-team MidState Conference and Raritan Division honoree, and also won the Heart of a Lion Award twice and the Hard Hat Award.
“From his center position, John was the leader of the offense,” Lions coach Jared Mazzetta said. “He was the ultimate example of how to play the center position. His performance on the field has set a high standard for his teammates for not only this year, but for athletes at North Hunterdon in the years to come.
“He handled the additional responsibility of being team captain by not only becoming more vocal in his relationships with the team, but by becoming even more visible in his consistently outstanding play. He is a leader through his consistent positive attitude and his steady work ethic. John has also been a leader in the weight room at North Hunterdon always setting an example for the entire student body.”
Stothoff has a cumulative GPA of 3.95 and is an Executive Leader with the North Hunterdon Interact and Able Club. He was also a caretaker/trainer for the Seeing Eye Program in Morristown and a member of NHHS’ Teen PEP/Peer Leadership Program. He has done outdoor work with Evergreen Tree Farm in Lebanon and Family Farm/ Company in Pittstown.
“I found John to be an exemplary student with interesting insights into many of the topics and issues covered in the course,” NHHS Social Studies teacher John McSweeney said. “John always was well prepared for class with a creative approach to each assignment. He has an excellent sense of humor and was a regular participant in my class. He is never intimidated by a topic or discussion. I applaud his academic curiosity and readiness to learn.
“I find John to be a very pleasant young man with a wide range of interests and experiences. He is not only a good student but also a model citizen at North. He is personable and well-mannered and has made positive contributions to our community by participating in numerous clubs and activities.”
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