Background: In recognition of the efforts put forth by Ned Obernesser to promote, build and grow the soccer programs at all levels within the Town of East Longmeadow Massachusetts, The East Longmeadow Soccer Booster Clubs provide an award annually in his name. It is presented at the annual season ending high school soccer awards ceremony to both a male and a female soccer player who have exemplified themselves both on and off the field of play.

Amount of the award: The minimum amount of the award will be $500 to each recipient.

Eligibility Criteria: The recipients of this scholarship award must:

·         Be a graduating senior from East Longmeadow High School in the academic year the award is presented

·         Be admitted to, enrolled in or planning on attending a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited institution of higher education including both community or junior colleges

·         Be a member of the East Longmeadow High School Varsity Soccer for at least two years including the academic year the award is being presented

·         Be in good academic standing

·         Be recognized as having demonstrated good sportsmanship throughout their soccer career

·         Be recognized as being a leader on the soccer field throughout the regular season

·         Be recognized for having a solid work ethic as defined by their play on the soccer field throughout the regular season

·         Be recognized for demonstrating leadership qualities as defined by a record of involvement in extra curricular activities at the high school and/or in civic activities within the town of East Longmeadow

Selection for the award: The selection of the award recipients will be made at the discretion of the selection committee. The booster representative will schedule the selection committee meeting(s) annually. 

Selection committee: The committee will include Ned Obernesser or his family’s designee and four representatives from the booster organization (2 for the boys and 2 for the girls). The committee will seek the advice of the East Longmeadow High School boys and girls varsity soccer coaches. The high school principal will validate eligibility of the students selected. In order to eliminate any conflicts of interest, the booster representative should not have a family member in the graduating class of the academic year the award is being presented.

Support for the fund: The awards will be funded annually by the East Longmeadow Soccer Boosters, represented by and composed of friends and family members of the high school soccer players. Persons interested in supporting the Ned Obernesser Scholarship Fund should make their contributions through members of the booster organization.

Scholarship Winners:

• 2011 Girls - Alyssa Balboni                                 Boys - TBA
• 2010 Girls - Amy Weisse/Megan Kelly              Boys - James Croci
• 2009 Girls - Christina Goodchild                        Boys - Shane Waltsak
• 2008 Girls - Johanna Margeson                         Boys - Daniel Stearns
• 2007 Girls - Kaila Kennedy/Kate Kalmbach     Boys - Tim Goodchild
• 2006 Girls - Gina Calabrese                               Boys - Justin Woishnis
• 2005 Girls - Kristina Guihan                                Boys - Chris Kalmbach
• 2004 Girls - Becky Bedard                                  Boys - Anthony Melione
• 2003 Girls - Elizabeth Moore                              Boys - John Bedard
• 2002 Girls - Jenny Maurer                                   Boys - Tony Gomes
• 2001 Girls - Julie Randall                                    Boys - Nick Zguro
• 2000 Girls - Jess Piecuil                                     Boys - Jeremy Lantaigne