NFA Seniors Rylee Merli and Joseph Ponesse were named 2023 OCIAA Scholar Athletes (Office of Interscholastic Athletics at Orange-Ulster BOCES).

Congratulations to our scholar athletes!
 

More about Rylee Merli:

Next year, Rylee plans to attend the University of South Carolina Honors College and will major in Political Science and Economics.

Varsity Cheerleading (3 years), Captain

Competitive Cheerleading (1 year), Captain

Unified Cheerleading/Basketball (2 years)

Wrestling Manager (2 years)

Earned 8 Varsity Letters

Serving her community: National Honor Society, Science Honor Society Vice President, Executive Council President, Key Club President, Newburgh Goldbacks Youth Cheer Coach

More about Joseph Ponesse:

Next year, Joe plans to attend SUNY Cortland with a Civic Engagement Scholarship and will major in Physical Education with a Master's degree in Athletic Training.

Varsity Football (1 year)

.2022 Section IX Champions, League & Regional

Champions, State Qualifier

Varsity Wrestling (4 years), Captain 2022/23

• 3x Section placer (2019/20, 2021/22,
• 2022/23, 2023 State Qualifier

Varsity Baseball (3 years)

• 2021 Section IX Champions, League Champions
• 2022 NFA Varsity Offensive Player Award

Earned 8 Varsity Letters

Serving his community: National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society-Seal of Biliteracy, NFA Peer Mentoring Program, Newburgh Future Stars Wrestling Program, Eagle Scout (with over 300 community service hours)