Sun honors area student-athletes

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, May 28, 1998 | 10:59 a.m.

These kids can do it all -- and in most cases, they almost literally do.

Each year, the Las Vegas Sun, the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association and Elmore Sports Group recognize 10 of Southern Nevada's high school seniors for their contributions in the classroom, on the playing field and for their extra-curricular endeavors.

This year's group of honorees, selected from a group of distinguished applicants, has combined to earn 81 varsity letters, boasts an aggregate grade-point-average over 3.8 and features five valedictorians and a pair of national merit scholar finalists.

The 10 winners and their families will be honored at a banquet at 6:30 tonight at the Country Star restaurant, with each senior receiving a $500 U.S. Savings Bond, an engraved pen and pencil set and a certificate noting their achievement.

The 1997-98 student-athlete honorees:

Thomas Bryan

The Western High School senior finished his career with seven varsity letters: three in football, three in track and one in wrestling. As a senior, he served as a captain for the track and football teams and earned all-conference honors as a punter and kicker for a Warrior squad that was the Southern Zone runner-up.

Bryan, a member of the honor roll in every semester, boasts a 3.71 GPA. A participant in student government for all four years, he served as Western's senior class president in 1997-98.

"I believe that by experiencing the successes and failures of sports, I am better prepared for the realities of life that I will face in the future," Bryan wrote in his application essay.

Jamie Christensen

The Bonanza High School valedictorian found time in her busy schedule to earn 12 varsity letters in high school: four each in tennis, soccer and track. A captain in all three sports as a senior, she capped off her illustrious playing career by capturing a state long jump title in last weekend's 4A track & field meet.

Christensen's 4.0 unweighted GPA is first among her class of 453, and her 1390 SAT score helped her earn a spot as a national merit finalist.

"I am one of the few women today that take advantage of what high school athletics have to offer," wrote Christensen, who will attend Brigham Young next year. "My most joyful memories of high school were made on the court, field and track, but I know I will continue to enjoy these sports for years to come."

Jennifer Eskin

The Green Valley High School valedictorian participated in four sports during her high school career, earning seven letters in cross country, track, soccer and volleyball. A captain for the Gators' Sunrise Division champion cross country team this year, she also played on her school's zone championship soccer squad.

Eskin's 4.0 unweighted GPA is tops among Green Valley's 669-member senior class. A travel buff who already has seen much of Europe, she also found time in a busy schedule to serve as a Little League softball coach.

"Participating in sports has taught me how to balance athleticism with femininity," Eskin wrote. "When the gun sounds, I am able to be a lady as well as a fierce competitor."

Corby Frehner

Another valedictorian, the Virgin Valley High School senior earned three varsity letters in baseball and two more in football. An all-conference pick in both sports, he also distinguished himself as an all-academic selection two years running in football and baseball.

Frehner's 3.98 GPA ranks first in his class of 106. He plays both trumpet and guitar, is active in his church and serves as an Eagle scout.

"Overall, the greatest lesson learned through high school athletics was how to succeed and what success really is," wrote Frehner, who will attend Utah next year.

Celestial Grover

The Clark High School senior finished her high school career with 11 varsity letters: four in basketball, four in softball and three in volleyball. A captain in basketball and volleyball, she earned basketball team MVP honors as a junior and most improved player kudos in volleyball as a freshman.

Grover, who has a 4.46 weighted GPA, has taken 19 honors courses during her four years. A strong proponent of community service, she also is a four-time member of the Nevada all-academic team.

"Playing with a team parallels dealing with society," Grover wrote. "Both are a mosaic of personalities and attitudes that one must learn to accept and mesh with."

Mitchell Kallick

The Green Valley High School senior earned five varsity letters: three in volleyball and two on the basketball court. A key member of the Gators' Sunrise Division champion basketball squad, he also earned team MVP honors and established himself as one of the area's premier boys volleyball players.

Enrolled in 22 honors courses during his high school career, Kallick graduates with a 3.65 GPA. An avid reader with diverse interests, he also contributed heavily in the area of community service.

"Sports have strengthened my competitive drive, sharpened my mental focus and conditioned my physical stamina," Kallick wrote. "Balancing my commitment to athletics with my life off the court has taught me effective time management."

Victor McCraney

The Silverado High School senior finished his high school career with six varsity letters: two each in football, basketball and volleyball. An all-conference selection in basketball and football, he also earned Nevada all-academic honors.

McCraney, who boasts a 4.10 weighted GPA, is involved in the Kappa Leadership League, G.A.N.G. Busters and his church. He also found time to hold down a full-time job during high school.

"By playing three sports each year of my high school career, not only have I learned the importance of leadership, discipline and teammwork, I have also learned the value of being well-rounded," McCraney wrote.

Melissa Moynihan

The Boulder City High School valedictorian earned 10 varsity letters: four in softball and three each in volleyball and basketball. A member of the Eagles' 1997 3A state champion softball team, she received all-conference honors in all three sports.

Moynihan has a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and is first in her class of 145. She devotes much of her time to community service, has served in student government and serves as a referee, umpire and coach for local youth sports programs.

"Athletics have given me the ability to accept defeat, a sense of pride in what I do and most of all, the special memories of important victories with friends," Moynihan wrote.

Paige Nelson

In addition to being the final valedictorian among the honorees, the Cimarron-Memorial senior distinguished herself as a distance runner, earning four varsity letters apiece in cross country and track. A two-time cross country captain, she also garnered team MVP honors in both of her sports.

Nelson's unweighted 4.0 GPA ranks first in her class of 754, and her 1520 SAT score qualifies her as a national merit finalist. The recipient of numerous academic awards during her four years, she also serves on her school's yearbook staff and has held several full-time jobs.

"Some of life's most valuable lessons do not take place inside a classroom but on a playing field or on a gymnasium floor," Nelson wrote. "Just as my intellect has developed from my studies, my character has evolved due to my experiences of being part of a team, a leader and an athlete."

Jason Van Meetren

The Bishop Gorman senior finished his high school career with 10 varsity letters: four in basketball, four in baseball and two in soccer. A likely choice in next week's Major League Baseball draft, he led the Gaels to a 4A state baseball berth this spring and earned Southern Zone Player of the Year honors.

Van Meetren, who boasts a 3.93 ERA, has been a constant member on his school's honor roll. A strong advocate of community service, Van Meetren also has been a recipient of departmental awards in both mathematics and English.

"Along with teaching me a disciplined work ethic, high school sports have taught me how to set goals and achieve them through hard work," wrote Van Meetren, who has been offered a full scholarship to Stanford. "The lasting friendships that I was fortunate enough to make with teammates, coaches, fans and even referees and umpires will be something that I will cherish forever."