2008 OCIAA Scholar Athletes
Varsity athletes Behnke and Schneider recognized for academic/athletic achievement
 

Port's 2008 OCIAA Scholar Athletes are pictured with (from left) Athletic Director Bob Corvino, Interim High School Principal Thomas Bongiovi, and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction John Bell at the May 1 awards banquet.

Port Jervis High School seniors Elizabeth Schneider and Jake Behnke were honored by the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) May 1 for their all-star performances. Schneider and Behnke received the coveted 2008 Scholar-Athlete Award at the OCIAA awards banquet. Held at  Kuhl's Highland House in Middletown, the banquet was attended by the students' parents, school district officials, and representatives from Orange County, Orange-Ulster BOCES, and the Times Herald-Record.

Elizabeth Schneider is a standout on and off the field. Ranked second in the senior class, Elizabeth has a grade point average of 99.085.

A versatile athlete, Elizabeth plays three sports - tennis, basketball, and track. In school, she is actively involved in numerous extracurricular activities to include the Key Club, French Club, peer leaders, band, and chorus. The National Honor Society member also holds key leadership positions, serving as student government class treasurer, and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) vice president.

This fall, she plans to attend Marywood University. Elizabeth is the daughter of Port Jervis residents Robert and Danise Schneider.  

Jake Behnke excels at academics and athletics. Balancing the demands of work, sports and other extracurricular activities with a challenging course load, Behnke has always been a top student. Currently, he is ranked eighth in his class with a grade point average of 95.76.

A dedicated athlete, Behnke is a member of the Raider varsity football and baseball teams. He also contributes to the sports program by being a member of the varsity football booster club and serving as the Varsity Club treasurer. Behnke, who is a member of the National Honor Society, is also an active member of many school organizations including student government, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Youth in Government, Peer Leaders, and the video club.        

Jake has been accepted to Syracuse University where he plans to major in film and writing. He is the son of Port Jervis residents Larry and Toni Behnke. Last year, Jake's older brother Lucas won the OCIAA Scholar Athlete Award.