Oceanside’s scholar athletes shine through service

At Oceanside High School, student-athletes gather not only to hone their athletic skills but also to serve as academic mentors. The “Scholar Athletes and Service to Others” program, sees students selflessly devote their time to uplift their peers. Students are invited into the program for various reasons, including meeting GPA requirements and playing a varsity sport but also having the desire to give back to their community, build relationships, and support their peers.

Initiated by educators like High School English teacher and NCAA coordinator Frank Luisi and athletic director Tom Lehman, the scholar-athlete program has become a beacon of academic support and community engagement within the school. For three years, the program has thrived, offering a space for student-athletes to excel, not only on the field but also in the classroom.

“We try to give back to the students as far as leadership opportunities and this group of students, in particular, ran with it,” said Tom Lehman. “I know there’s a lot of legwork from coach Luisi’s standpoint, last year. Meeting with the math teachers and meeting with the director of mathematics to identify a need for this and our students stepped up.”

The program’s student-athletes undergo screening and recommendation procedures. Once accepted, these scholars commit to monthly meetings, forging bonds that extend beyond the realm of academics.

Whether it’s organizing charity events or planning special needs basketball games, these scholar athletes embody the values of teamwork and compassion both on and off the field. Caroline Barthel joined the program as a sophomore and said creating connections is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. Barthel has played basketball and soccer for four years at Oceanside High and will be attending Notre Dame in the fall for psychology.

“The whole idea of the student-athletes and service to others is to be men and women for others and to serve your community,” Barthel said. “I think being able to help all of the underclassmen, whether I know them or not, with something they’re struggling with was rewarding and it was great for me to be able to do. I’ve gotten to know the people I’m tutoring and they’ve let me know how they’re doing in math. It was great to build those relationships, but the biggest thing was giving back to them.”

Many of the participants are high-achieving students involved in AP classes and varsity sports. They emphasize the importance of time management and peer support in balancing their academic and athletic commitments. Olivia Poplawski, a senior bowling, volleyball, and badminton player turned tutor, epitomizes the program’s spirit of service.

Poplawski will attend New York University in the fall and despite the demands of her sports and AP classes, Poplawski remains committed to supporting her peers, showcasing the power of peer mentorship and time management.

“Since I’ve been in all APs, I’ve learned to adjust my workload,” Poplawski said. “Math is one of my favorite subjects, so I would like to help people in it. A lot of people hate math, but they shouldn’t because we always use it and they don’t realize how important it is and I would just like to teach them what I know to make it easier.

The program isn’t just about academic assistance; it’s about building relationships and fostering a sense of camaraderie among students. As the program continues to flourish, its impact extends far throughout Oceanside High. Sydney Dolger is a junior varsity volleyball player in the program and was selected for the program as a sophomore.

“Initially, I just thought it’d be a great idea to join this program,” Dolger said. “The real value and philosophy behind it is just really rewarding. It’s great to be able to help my peers out with math and really give back. Everything that Oceanside has given me, I want to be able to get that back.”

With college recruitment processes recognizing the value of community service and leadership, ‘Scholar Athletes and Service to Others’ participants stand out as exemplary candidates, poised to make a difference.

While some students are committed to colleges and have plans for their future careers, others are still exploring their options. However, all acknowledge that the program is enriching for both the tutors and the students they assist, providing valuable academic support and fostering a sense of community and service among student-athletes.

“They care about how they can help and serve others, they’re the truest form of leaders,” Luisi said. “That’s why we call them scholar-athletes in service to others. They don’t join this. We vet them with their teachers on their behavior and grades. It’s like an honor society for athletes, who have humility and kindness, not arrogance and swag. This is such a credit to them and Oceanside.”