L-R: Hennessy Ortiz, Natalia Lopez, Coach Megan Bender, Isabella Taliafero, and Jozella Boyette.
POUGHKEEPSIE – The Varsity Athletic Banquet for Poughkeepsie High School took place last week to honor several standout students who play sports and maintain their grades at the same time. Poughkeepsie City School District Director of Athletics, Peter Bianco, worked with the coaches of the numerous sports to make the banquet a success.
Gathered in the high school gym with family members, the athletes listened as Bianco said “If we think about the first step in striving toward perfection, we have to commit to being committed,” and continued by adding “Commitment is described as being dedicated to a cause or activity, and when a team or individuals are committed to the sport they are competing in, incredible things are accomplished.”
Athletes from all high school sports were honored, with the Female Athlete of the Year award being presented to Jalasia Weldon. Jalasia played three sports in 2023-2024; volleyball, basketball, and softball.
Two boys shared the Male Athlete of the Year Award; Jalen Lee and Corey Martin. According to Bianco, one played soccer, the other played football, and they both played on the varsity baseball and basketball teams.
In addition to honoring this year’s athletes, Bianco announced plans to retire the jersey worn by Poughkeepsie High School standout basketball player Terraya Richardson, who graduated in 1999. Richardson holds the record of “All-time Leading Point Scorer” in Poughkeepsie High School basketball history with 1,888 points to her name. The jersey ceremony will take place at the start of the girls basketball season.
