New York, NY - June 15, 2006 – On a beautiful late spring evening last night, thirty of New York City’s brightest and most athletic high school seniors dressed up and headed to an event at the Time Warner Center at Manhattan’s Columbus Circle. Gathered for a ceremonial reception and dinner in the employee dining room, they were surrounded by breathtaking views of Central Park – and excited parents and teachers -- as news channel NY1 and the Medicaid managed care organization Health Plus rewarded them for their academic and athletic achievements at the seventh annual Health Plus/NY1 Scholar Athlete Award Reception.

The students, of diverse backgrounds from schools throughout the city, were selected because they shine athletically, excel academically, and are committed to community service. Executive Director of Health Plus, Tom Early, addressed the students, remarking that “too often we hear only negative stories about our young people,” and lauding the students for “breaking that pattern and setting a great example for adults to recognize and their peers to follow.”  All thirty received a plaque of recognition from Ada Rodriguez, Chief Marketing Officer for Health Plus, and a scholarship for $2,000 to go towards their college tuition next year.

In addition, each student had each been featured on NY1 over the past year, in a clip that was played in frequent rotation for the week that they were recognized as the Health Plus/NY1 Scholar Athlete of the Week.

“These are very deserving youngsters who have accomplished a lot. They are people that we should be proud of. Their parents, their teachers, and the city should be proud. When we are graced with young people who combine academic and athletic prowess and who exhibit compassion for their community, it’s our duty to encourage them,” said Mr. Early, who welcomed the students to the event.  “That’s the real spirit of the Health Plus/NY1 Scholar Athlete of the Week program, and that’s why we’re very proud to be the name sponsor.” 

At the awards ceremony, attended by executives from Health Plus, New York 1, and the Board of Education, each of the students had a chance to speak briefly, most thanking their parents, teachers, NY1, and Health Plus for supporting and recognizing them as they pursued their goals.

One of the student athletes, Anthony Ramdass, of Jamaica High School in Queens, was surprised and delighted when it was revealed to him near the close of the evening that his contributions to the community, efforts in school and as captain of the volleyball team had earned him an additional $5,000 scholarship to go towards his tuition at Stony Brook University where he’ll be matriculating in September.

Two others, track stars Esther Adzhiashvili, of Forest Hills High School in Queens, and Nikola Kyuchukov, of Grover Cleveland High School in Queens, were also surprised with additional $3,000 scholarships after they were singled out and recognized for their outstanding high school careers.

Since the Scholar Athlete program was founded seven years ago, over 210 students have been recognized, and over three million dollars worth of scholarships have been distributed.

“This program is wonderful for New York City because it recognizes kids from different backgrounds who all share a common drive to work hard and succeed,” says sports producer for NY1 and producer of the Scholar/Athlete program, Marc Weingarten.  “It’s wonderful that Health Plus can support these kids during this time as they continue on in their lives.”