High school and high achievement require high jumper

"Our job [as seniors] is to set an example for the underclassmen," says Mark Stephan, a senior at LaSalle Institute in Troy.

And what an example! His high school career has been a series of academic and athletic successes. In addition, he has been involved in community service since he was in the eighth grade.

Because of this activity, Mark has been nominated by his school as a candidate for the tenth annual high school Heisman award, a program of Wendy's International.

Jugglers

The program honors students who "don't always get the recognition they deserve for juggling several school responsibilities at one time," according to www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com.

In Mark's case, that involves maintaining a 90 or better average for the past four years, excelling at track, and volunteering at Van Rensselaer Manor nursing home in Troy.

In addition, he participates in his school's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. He has been a member of JROTC since his freshman year and currently holds the rank of captain.

Achievement

"When I was in eighth grade, I went [to Van Rensselaer Manor] with Brother Peter Furlong, FSC, just to see what it was like," said Mark, who is a member of Holy Spirit parish in East Greenbush. "What I really liked then and still enjoy is interacting with the residents. That's what has kept me going back for the past five years. We do all sorts of things together: We play volleyball, Bingo and basketball, and go bowling. Sometimes, I just visit with them."

Mark holds LaSalle's record for the high jump -- six feet, five inches. In the New York State Empire Games, he earned a silver medal in his sport.

His future plans include college, majoring in business and minoring in Spanish.

(To be eligible for nomination for the High School Heisman award, students must be seniors, maintain a minimum grade level of "B" and participate in at least one sport. Twelve national finalists are honored in New York City in December, each receiving a gold medal and $1,000 for his or her school. One male and one female are then chosen as the winners of the Wendy's International Heisman award; each receives a crystal trophy and $2,500 for his and her school.)

(11/6/03) [[In-content Ad]]