Today’s stop is one close to home at
Indian Hills High School in Oakland, New Jersey. Boy, they are not kidding about the hills part- the road up to the school was like riding up to the crest of a roller coaster! We visited Indian Hills to honor student-athlete Jessica Dittmer, the Northeast Region Winner of the MaxPreps Citizen Athlete Award presented by the National Guard.
Arriving on the Indian Hills campus on this hot June day, it was apparent that this was to be a very special night. Outside the school’s auditorium, guidance counselors were busily setting up snack tables and balloons to commemorate the class of 2010 on their Senior Award Night. Dozens of awards were about to be awarded to many deserving seniors, and like Tom Elling of MaxPreps said, “If all the students were all as special as Jessica Dittmer, this was one fortunate school!”
Jessica certainly is a rare breed of student athlete. Throughout her four years, Jessica has been a standout leader in the classroom, on the volleyball court, and in her community. Jessica is finishing high school with a 4.36 GPA, which is an amazing feat in and of itself! As a two-time captain of her volleyball team, Jessica led her team to the State Quarterfinals for the first time in over a decade. With a resume like hers, which includes memberships in two Honor Societies and several presidencies of school clubs (among MANY other things), it is no surprise that her mother, Joan, joked that she had barely seen Jessica for four years!
In the community, Jessica was a star! She served in various capacities including a tutor for autistic child, President of the Amnesty International Club, Co-President of the Environmental Club, and President of Helping Everyone Attain Life Club. Jessica also raised $2,000 for the World Wildlife Foundation and started a school recycling program.
As the seven o’clock start time crept closer, the auditorium started to fill with prideful parents and nervously excited students. The anticipation and excitement in the room was apparent as the ceremony got underway. Our presentation to Jessica was eighth in the program- but as we waited for our award to be presented we were surprised to hear Jessica’s name called as the winner of another award. This just hammers home how truly exceptional Jessica is.
When it came time for Jessica to receive the Citizen Athlete Award, Tom Elling first said some kind words to both the seniors of Indian Hills High School and to Jessica herself. He then presented Sgt. Michael Onembo of the New Jersey National Guard, who presented Jessica with the National Guard Citizen Athlete trophy and certificate. When Jessica’s name was called, the crowd erupted into applause. Apparently we are not the only people who know that Jessica is a standout student athlete! Once she came up, it was time for the big moment- the presentation of the oversized check. The crowd really loved this moment, especially her mother and father, who were obviously overjoyed.
After the award presentation, the group convened outside the auditorium where a gracious Jessica continued to profusely thank both MaxPreps and the National Guard. Her parents, overflowing with pride, were also very grateful. We then interviewed one of Jessica’s friends, who lovingly praised Jessica as a great role model. We could not agree more! We wish Jessica good fortune as she pursues her studies next year at Villanova University and we are sure that she will bring the same great attitude and drive with her to Pennsylvania!