By Eileen Oldfield Staff Writer
HILLSBOROUGH — A combination of competitive spirits, good grades and community service netted two Hillsborough athletes scholarships and the chance to hobnob with former Olympic sports stars.
Hillsborough High School seniors Jordan Magath and Kyle Magliaro received scholarships through the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation at the organization’s annual Sports Extravaganza Sept. 19.
”I felt like it was a great honor,” Jordan, a senior track and cross country athlete said. “She was an accomplished four-time Olympian, and she’s an asset to the community. It just felt great.”
”I felt really honored to be brought up in front of the Olympians and the people there to see me receive it,” Kyle, a senior track athlete, said.
The Joetta Geniuses scholarships are awarded to senior track and field or cross country athletes who maintain a 3.0 grade point average, and participate in community service projects. The students apply during their junior year, and receive the awards at Ms. Clark Diggs’ annual Sports Extravaganza, a fundraising event for her foundation.
”It was kind of neat to be sitting next to gold medallists from the Olympics,” Kyle said of the extravaganza.
”I had the privilege to attend last year, and they really put a lot into it,” Jordan said. “Just hearing that I received it (the scholarship) was a surprise.”
Each student received a $750 scholarship from the foundation; three donors and the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation provided the scholarships.
Both Jordan and Kyle said the money would go toward portions of their college bills, though they had not decided where to use it yet.
The Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation offers approximately 75 health-focused programs, including one in Hillsborough, each year, with the foundation’s extravaganza event funding most of the programs.
”You have people who do great things, but don’t give back,” Ms. Clark Diggs said. “Through sports, you may not get the gold medal in the Olympics, but you can get the gold medal for giving back.”
Ms. Clark Diggs said the foundation seeks student athletes each year via school guidance counselors, newspaper advertisements, e-mails, and information at track and field and cross country events. The application includes a cover letter detailing the student’s Achievements, and a copy of the student’s high school transcript. After the foundation separates any incomplete applications, it narrows the field to 10 outstanding applicants, and a panel of three judges selects five students for the scholarships. According to Ms. Clark Diggs, who is not on the panel that selects the recipients, the panel receives the students’ names and cover letters, but no further information about the students.
”We look for people who are competitive in their sport,” Ms. Clark Diggs said. “I would tend to think their essays talk about teamwork. . .Every step you take in a competition affects your team.”
In addition to recognizing the students’ achievements, the scholarships help the students prepare for their first year at school.
”The funding allows you to get a laptop or help you with your books.” Ms. Clark Diggs said. “It takes some of the strain off you.”

