Lawrence’s Sunda, Nottingham’s Martinez selected as top scholars for DelVal Dinner
One of the most up lifting characteristics in young athletes is the ability to persevere, and it is that determination and spirit that separated Lawrence High’s Jaiveer Sunda and Nottingham’s Antonio Martinez from the crowd.
It is because of their never give up attitude, on and off the field, that Sunda and Martinez have been selected as their school’s honoree at the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 62nd Annual George Wah Scholar-Leader-Athlete Awards Dinner.
The Awards Dinner this year is dedicated to the memory of Steve Gazdek, the former Athletic Director at Steinert and Chapter Board Member.
The dinner is March 10 and begins at 2 p.m. at Princeton Marriott at Forrestal. Scholar-leader-athletes from 20 schools in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties are being honored with $1,000 scholarships. For dinner/ticket information contact Steve Tuckerson at 609-202-4166 or email delval.nffhf@gmail.com.
There will be several additional scholarships awarded at the dinner, $5,000 — Jack Stephen Scholarship, $4,000 Chapter Scholarship, $3,000 Ron Rick Sr. Scholarship, $2,000 Ed Cook Scholarship and $1,500 Ed “Windy” Morris Scholarship.
The other ScholarLeader-Athlete seniors being honored are Allentown’s Luke Wiedau, Bordentown’s Myles Hansford, Ewing’s Tyler Seaton, Florence’s John Paul Dunphy, Hamilton West’s Connor Mooney, Hightstown’s Yasin Elhossieni, Hopewell Valley’s Nathan Tewell, Hun’s Dillon Bucchere, Lawrenceville’s Jack Rice, Notre Dame’s John Beacham, Peddie’s Jackson Boone, Pennington’s John Thomas Shamsey, Princeton’s Evan Pease, Robbinsville’s Sebastian Leigh, Steinert’s Michael Rizzo, Trenton’s Damon Jennings and West Windsor-Plainsboro’s Ryan Beske.
Sunda was a member of the Cardinals freshman team and the junior varsity as a sophomore, a starter as a junior and a captain as a senior. He didn’t only pay his dues, he earned his captaincy.
“Jaiveer is one of the reasons why coaches love to coach,” said Rob Radice, the Lawrence coach. “He is a person who always puts the team first and leads by example. He always gives 100 percent in practice, games, and in school. He is very unselfish and always puts the team ahead of himself. He is one of the best-rounded student-athletes I have had the pleasure of teaching and coaching in my thirty-three-year career. Character, outstanding work ethic, strong values, great leader, great sense of humor, compassionate, committed, respectful toward others, are all just a few of the traits Jaiveer possesses.”
Sunda has been a member of the concert band since fourth grade, he is a gold medal level chess player, he has completed six levels of Gujarati at BARS temple and he has taken four years of French, including AP classes.
Jaiveer has consistently demonstrated exceptional diligence, commitment, and intelligence in his studies,” said French teacher, Mojgan Salehi. “He approaches every assignment and activity with enthusiasm, and his passion for learning is evident in his consistent efforts to excel in the subject. Jaiveer’s quick thinking and sensible reactions in various situations showcase not only his intelligence but also his ability to apply his knowledge effectively.”
Antonio Martinez, who was Nottingham’s Athlete of the Month in October, has been much more than a football player, on and off the field.
“As a student, Antonio demonstrated a love of learning and the level of commitment necessary to succeed in college and beyond,” said Nottingham’s Athletic Director, Jessie Mull. “I am happy to be able to provide this recommendation for such a deserving student. As his academic record attests, Mr. Martinez has maintained a 3.9 grade point average across the board during his study here at Nottingham High School. I have great respect for Antonio and truly believe that he is a deserving candidate for your scholarship.”
Martinez is involved in Peer Tutoring, Community Outreach to provide food for those in need and he has served as a trainer for many of the Northstars sports.
“Antonio distinguished himself as an incredible young man by taking advantage of the various programs Nottingham offers as well as his involvement in the community,” added Mull. “He has volunteered at Nottingham High School as a peer tutor to lead a small group of students with their studies, assists in Community Outreach by leading students to organize and provide food for people in need, and volunteers at youth sports training to mentally and physically prepare young athletes interested in the quarterback position. In addition to his incredible volunteering experience, Antonio has participated in clubs and sports at Nottingham. He is a member of the Football team, Baseball team, and the Christian Athletes Bible Club.”