MERHS Student Receives MIAA Student-Athlete of the Month Award

Congratulations to Lily Athanas!

Lily Athanas, a senior at Manchester Essex Regional High School, has been selected as the recipient of the “MIAA Student-Athlete of the Month Award" for September 2020. Lily was named a Manchester Essex Scholar for her commitment to taking all five core subjects at the Honors and Advanced Placement levels throughout high school and earning a GPA of higher than 4.7. Her current GPA of 5.2 was one of the reasons she received in 2019-20 the George Washington University Book Award which is awarded to a student who “embodies drive and spirit, specifically with her academic excellence, leadership outside the classroom, diversity of thought, and ability to put thoughts into action.” Additionally, Lily was the recipient of the Letters to Literature Award in 2017. The award honors students who write letters to the author of a poem, speech, or book that has affected them personally. She is a member of the STEM Club and the Spanish Club, and served as an MIAA Student Ambassador for 2020-21. Lily is described as “intelligent, respectful, humble and always wanting to improve.” Her Principal, Tricia Puglisi said, “Lily is a true student-athlete. She excels all three seasons on the field/court as well as in the classroom. She is a fantastic role-model to the underclassman.”

A three-sport captain, Lily participates in Field Hockey, Basketball and Lacrosse. Her athletic accolades include 1st Team All-Cape Ann League in 2019 for Field Hockey and 2nd Team All-Cape Ann League in 2019 for Lacrosse and Basketball in 2020. She was named Basketball Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and led the team in assists, deflections, steals and charges taken in 2020. In 2019 she received the Sportsmanship Award in Lacrosse. Nan Gorton, Varsity Lacrosse Coach, said Lily is “a leader by example. Not only with how she controls her emotions on the field, but every day in practice how she approaches every drill, every challenge and every teammate. She plays with respect for herself, her opponents, teammates, coaches and the sport.” Her Field Hockey Coach, Kara Crovo, stated, “On the field Lily is a fierce competitor and has made a name for herself, not only in Field Hockey but also in Basketball and Lacrosse. She’s an athlete that just gets it.” Crovo continued, “Lily is by far one of the most coachable and humble players I have ever seen.” Athletic Directed, Jordan Edgett adds, “Lily is the quintessential leader. She personifies the type of student-athlete that we seek to mold in the Manchester Essex community.” Lily will be attending Georgetown University and will play Division 1 Lacrosse for the Hoyas.

Outside of the classroom, Lily is a peer tutor, involved with the school’s Anti-Defamation League, and is a member of the Green Team. She has worked for four years at the Parks and Recreation Department as a counselor-in-training and is currently a staff instructor. She spoke on behalf of athletics this fall to the Manchester Essex School Committee prior to the vote to allow for fall athletics. Lily is a member of the National Honors Society and she was recently honored with a House of Representatives Citation from Representative Brad Hill. Lauren Dubois, Varsity Basketball Coach said, “She is amazing and incredibly humble. Most coachable and respectful student I have ever coached.”

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Student-Athlete of the Month Award is presented on a monthly basis to two student-athletes who display excellence in the areas of academics, athletics and community service. Students in grades 9-12 who attend MIAA member schools are eligible to receive the award. Monthly award recipients receive a certificate of recognition, are featured on www.miaa.net, honored at the MIAA Awards Recognition Banquet in the spring and will be eligible for the Harry Agganis Student-Athlete of the Year Scholarship provided on behalf of the Agganis family. Nominations for the award may be submitted by principals, athletic directors, teachers, coaches, guidance counselors or other school administrators. For additional information about the MIAA Student- Athlete of the Month Award program please visit www.miaa.net.