On Monday morning, senior Nellie Long was awarded Student-Athlete of the Month by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, or MIAA.
Assistant Director Steve Dubzinski came out to the MVRHS gym to recognize Nellie Long’s accomplishments personally, awarding her with a $1,000 college scholarship, a plaque, and an MIAA backpack.
The award is presented to two Massachusetts high schoolers every month “who display excellence in the areas of academics, athletics, student leadership, and community service,” says the MIAA.
Headed to Simmons College in the fall, where she will play field hockey, Long was a three-sport varsity athlete, weekly volunteer with First Stop MV’s Clothes to Go service program, and a coach for the youth field hockey and ice hockey programs on the Island.
After the award ceremony, Long expressed her pride and gratitude for receiving the award. “At Clothes to Go, it was a great feeling helping familiar faces; I’ve gone almost every week since I was a sophomore … at MVRHS, I looked up to the seniors as a freshman, and now I’m looked up to as a senior. During [my three] Senior Days this year, my teammates would write letters to us, saying, ‘It won’t be the same without you,’ or tell me how I impacted their lives.”
Among Nellie’s teammates and coaches in attendance were sophomore Annabelle Metell and varsity ice hockey coach Geoghan Coogan.
“Annabelle has become one of my best friends; she tells me how much better I’ve made her life as a high schooler,” Long said. “It’s a very tight community amongst the varsity teams, like a family … I’m so thankful for Coach Coogan. He supports us tirelessly, and his efforts are so noticeable. He’s always there to support and congratulate me.”
This summer, Long will continue working at the Sea Spa Salon in Edgartown, and play her favorite sports as much as possible.
She was named a Cape and Islands League All-Star in both field hockey and lacrosse, and was an honorable mention for ice hockey.
