Academic All-Stars: District 2 Athletes Are Proving Excellence Goes Beyond the Field
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | June 7, 2025 | Photo courtesy Dan Falkowski
Success in sports is impressive on its own, but when paired with academic achievement, it shows a level of discipline and dedication that deserves to be celebrated. Across District 2, countless student-athletes are not only performing at a high level in their respective sports but also earning honors in the classroom — and that balance speaks volumes about their character and work ethic.
These young individuals are setting the bar high. From earning spots in AP and honors classes, to leading their teams on the field, and in some cases even holding part-time jobs or volunteering in the community — the commitment it takes to balance it all is no small feat. Whether they’re heading to a Division I program or wrapping up their high school careers with pride, these students deserve to be recognized for the work they’ve put in on both sides of the report card.
Take Lyla Rehill of Wyoming Area, for example — recently named salutatorian of her senior class while committing to play Division I field hockey at Rutgers University. Or Ben Chilson, former Tunkhannock valedictorian in 2023, who went on to continue his basketball and academic career at Bowdoin College in Maine. Their stories are just two among many in District 2 that highlight what’s possible when student-athletes commit fully — in the classroom and in competition.
But beyond the names and headlines, there are so many more who may not always be recognized publicly, but are doing the work daily — studying for tests after practice, finishing homework on the bus ride home from a game, or sacrificing weekends to stay on top of their academic goals while competing for their school.
You may not always enjoy every subject in school, but putting in the effort — whether it’s for a paper, a group project, or late-night study session — builds more than just a transcript. It builds mental toughness, time management, and self-discipline. These are the very qualities that not only help students succeed at the next level of athletics but also in life beyond school.
District 2 continues to set a high standard for what it means to be a student-athlete. And whether you’re competing at the varsity level, working your way up, or simply showing up and giving your best — if you’re also putting in the effort in the classroom, that deserves to be celebrated. Your hard work is preparing you for whatever comes next — and you should be proud of everything you’ve achieved.
