2022 graduates receive athletic scholarships

Gina Lin
CHS Class of 24

(8/2022) Catoctin High School has graduated 150 exceptional students this year. Each graduate has left their mark on Catoctin and their absence will be felt. Navigating through the pandemic posed an obstacle to this class, as their sophomore year was cut short and junior year was virtual. Nonetheless, through perseverance they were able to overcome the challenges present. Among the graduating class were many remarkable student athletes. To name a few, Paige Smith, Noland Kinna, Emma Wivell, were leaders in their class. They were all recognized for their talent, work ethic, and diligence, through numerous scholarships.

Paige Smith, who graduated with highest honors and a weighted GPA of 4.63, started playing softball at a young age. Smith earned a spot on the varsity softball team in her freshman year of high school. Smith would later become captain of the team and co-captain of the basketball team. In addition to softball, she has played basketball for 10 years and volleyball for five. Smith was also involved in clubs such as Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Catoctin Crazies, and class clubs. Not to mention, she was engaged in multiple honor societies including the National Honor Society, English Honor Society, History Honor Society, and Math Honor Society. Outside of school, Smith also picked up jobs at Weis and Rocky Point Creamery. Smith will be attending High Point University in North Carolina and majoring in Health and Physical Education. With that she aspires to be "the best PE teacher ever!" Smith received the Frederick County Retired School Personnel Association / Dr. Richard and Patricia Petre Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is awarded to deserving individuals who have demonstrated interest in careers with public education.

Smith also received the Minds in Motion Award, offered by the MPSSAA. Recipients must have participated in a MPSSAA sponsored activity and have a minimum of a 3.25 unweighted GPA throughout their high school career. The Award gives $1000 to select athletes that evince the qualities mentioned. On top of the previous two, Smith was presented the Jessica Lee Murphy Memorial Fund Scholarship, Jim McCurdy Scholarship, and a Thurmont Colorfest Scholarship.

Some advice that Smith gives includes working hard, as it pays off in the future. "If you work for it, you can do it," Smith commented. She learned from her struggles with conformity early in her highschool career. Smith encourages students to not ponder with what others will say about you because "none of that matters after high school." She also advises highschoolers to keep good friends close. Smith’s successful high school experience wasn’t without help though. She credits Amy Entwistle, a teacher and basketball coach at Catoctin High. Entwistle pushed Smith to become the student and athlete that she is today. Smith recounts Coach Entwistle as, "the most encouraging woman I’ve ever met."

Another laudable athlete is Noland Kinna. Kinna began playing baseball at just five years old. His efforts prevailed, as now he will be furthering his baseball career on the collegiate level. Kinna committed to the College of Southern Maryland located in LaPlata, Maryland. He plans to major in Spanish secondary education and minor in coaching. In addition to baseball, Kinna played basketball in his freshman year of high school. Kinna was involved in several clubs such as Catoctin Crazies, Fellowship of Christain Athletes, and class clubs. He was also associated with the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. Kinna graduated with honors and a weighted GPA of 3.86 while taking many honors and FCC dual-enrollment courses. Outside of school, Kinna was community service oriented. During the summer, he volunteered at the Thurmont Senior Center. Furthermore, Kinna applied his athletic prowess to summer camps, by working with young athletes. Kinna also held down a job at Food Lion for two years and is currently employed by the Town of Thurmont. In the classroom, Kinna acknowledges his social studies teacher, Steve Cree, and Spanish teacher, Lynn Griffin (Senora Griffin) for helping him cultivate an interest in teaching. Through this Kinna developed a passion for teaching and coaching. He hopes to coach sports while simultaneously teaching high school or college level Spanish. Kinna anticipates to have been a leader and positive role model for his teammates. He urges highschoolers to "find your passion in life, and run with it."

Kinna was given the United States Marine Corp Athletic Award. The award is an extension of the Marine Corp and decisions are left completely to the athletic director of individual schools. The award aims to recognize those athletes that fall under the radar for recognition but have consistently exhibited the characteristics of courage, poise, self-confidence, and leadership as defined by the Marine Corp. Kinna was also granted the Buzz Barker Booster Scholarship. The scholarship rewards $1,000 a year to qualifying CHS seniors. Recipients must have demonstrated competence in the classroom and sports, possess good character, and have contributed service to the Catoctin community.

Last but not least, Emma Wivell is another example of a remarkable CHS graduate. Wivell, who has played basketball for 13 years, will continue her career at Salisbury University this fall on an athletic scholarship. She will be majoring in international business. Wivell earned a spot on the varsity basketball team in her freshman year and served as team captain for three years. She also plays for the Maryland Lady Hoopmasters as the point guard. Wivell was a member of class clubs and the Catoctin Crazies, in which she helped to reinvigorate. Moreover, over the course of high school, she took up two food service jobs working as a hostess for Glory Days Grill and Madrones. She also lent a hand to her family contracting business, Wivell Homes. Finally, Wivell has helped pioneer fundraising and other activities for her church. Wivell has set some impressive goals. With her housing background, Wivell plans to establish a global real estate company to build economic stability.

As Wivell commenced her varsity basketball career in her freshman year of highschool, she felt that the team needed improvement. But through the positive attitude, discipline, and unwavering effort of her coaches and players in her year, they were able to refurbish their team. Wivell led the varsity basketball team to compete for a state title this year. Similar to Smith, Wivell also declares her coach, Amy Entwhistle, as being an influential figure to her. Wivell describes Coach Entwhistle as a kind and humble person. "She pushes me every single day to not only be a better basketball player, but a better student, friend, classmate, and daughter." A piece of advice Wivell gives to current CHS students is to "enjoy your time." She suggests living in the moment as being a CHS student will come to an end, seemingly rapidly.

The achievements of the Catoctin graduating class of 2022 are not limited to those mentioned above, as these are a few of the bright graduates. We wish every single graduate the best of luck in pursuing their future, whether it be in colleges, careers, or dreams. The seniors held the fabric of many academic extracurriculars as well. For example, the CHS mock trial team consisted of six seniors out of the eight members. The team would go on to win the County Championship. Now, the underclassmen are tasked with filling in the shoes of our graduates.