Ivy League education
NBTHS swimmer
gets summer honor
Determined student reaching for
Ivy League education
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer
Lisa Lu, 15, took top honors from North Brunswick Township as the Scholar Athlete of the Month for July.
NORTH BRUNSWICK — Even though school’s out, one high school student’s hard work is still paying off.
Lisa Lu, a 15-year-old North Brunswick Township High School student, received recognition on July 6 as one of the students who received the township’s Scholar Athlete of the Month award for July.
"Lisa is a hard worker who remains dedicated to any task set before her, an excellent swimmer and an all-around good kid," Elizabeth Yaurs, Lu’s physical education teacher and swim team coach, said.
Lu swam the backstroke and the breaststroke while competing with the high school’s Rapids Swim Team this year, she said.
"I’ve been swimming since fifth grade, when I took swimming lessons for the first time," Lu said.
Lu said she has grown to love the sport for the physical and mental preparation involved, and for the friends she has made along the way.
This year, as a sophomore, Lu swam on the varsity swim team and also ran varsity track in the spring.
The high honor roll student also participated on the Science League and the Mathletes, both school clubs that help to forward student’s abilities in problem solving.
When she found out she won the township-sponsored Scholar Athlete Award, Lu said she was speechless.
"It’s wonderful to win, and to have family, friends, coaches and teachers that support me," Lu said.
Lu’s coaches, Yaurs and Terri Socha, said it is important to recognize that the strength of an individual relies heavily on the strength of the family.
"Both parents support her in everything that she does and actively participate in helping out the swim team," Yaurs said.
Sujen and Mark Lu, her parents, said they are very proud of their daughter.
"She is very determined and achieves all that she wants to achieve," Mr. Lu said.
Looking toward the future, Lu imagines herself attending an Ivy League college where she will study in preparation to enter a career in the medical field.
Ronald Williams Jr. also received the Scholar Athlete Award from the township this month, but could not be reached for comment.
Each month the township awards two students for their outstanding performance in academics and athletics with a proclamation and dessert reception.