Health Plus - Student Athletes Receive Big Recognition

For Immediate Release

Student Athletes Receive Big Recognition
Health Plus and NY1 hold 9th Annual Scholar Athlete Awards Ceremony

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New York - June 5, 2008 — Tuesday night, as the rain cooled down the city like a runner after a marathon, the Time Warner Building at Manhattan’s Columbus Circle opened its doors to thirty of New York City’s brightest and most athletic high school students, each of whom have been honored as a featured Student-Athlete of the Week – a rotating television spot on New York 1 which managed care organization Health Plus has sponsored for the last five years.

The students, from diverse backgrounds and from schools across the city, were selected because they shine athletically, excel academically, and are committed to community service. Health Plus Executive Director Tom Early addressed the students, remarking that “Too often we hear only negative stories about our young people,” and applauding the students for “breaking that pattern and setting a great example for adults to recognize and their peers to follow.” During the Awards Ceremony a montage was played on a big screen, and many cheers and applause were shared as each student was highlighted. All thirty received a plaque of recognition and a two-thousand dollar scholarship to go towards their college tuition.

Among the thirty students honored, three were singled out and given additional scholarships. Fidelis Idoko, from John Bowne High School, and Chencheng Yang, from Newcomers High School, both received an additional three-thousand dollars. Grand-prize winner Janet Romero, from EBC Bushwick High School for Public Service, received an extra five-thousand dollars.

More information can be found about the Health Plus/NY1 Scholar Athlete program at http://www.ny1.com/ny1/Sports/scholar_athlete.jsp

“I think the term ‘best of both worlds’ is the most accurate way to describe these youngsters,” said Tom Early. “What you have here is success stories; 30 kids that have proven themselves to be extraordinary in so many ways. Just to be a scholar or an athlete is a great accomplishment on its own, but to be both, and still take the time to contribute to society and set an example for their peers, really shows just how special these kids are. I look at their faces, and I see the leaders of tomorrow.”

Kathryn Soman and Tom Early, of Health Plus, and Donald Douglas, PSAL Director for the NYC Department of Education, flank 30 youngsters honored this past Tuesday, at the Ninth Annual NY1 Scholar/Athlete Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Health Plus.

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Health Plus, a not-for-profit, multi-cultural organization, is one of the fastest growing managed care organizations in New York City. It was established in 1984 with a commitment to provide coordinated quality health care and improving access to health care for uninsured and underserved families. In its annual review of managed care plans, the New York State Department of Health ranked Health Plus as the top plan for quality in its 2002 and 2003 "Consumer's Guide to Medicaid Managed Care in New York City." Health Plus is New York City's leading provider of Child Health Plus, a New York State Department of Health program that offers parents FREE or low-cost health insurance for children under the age of 19. "CRAIN'S New York Business" magazine ranked Health Plus fifth among the largest health maintenance organizations in the New York area.