By Kim Spinelli, Special Writer
Sixth-grader and Monmouth Junction resident Rohan Regulapati was recently named a 2011-2012 First Team Eastern Region Little Scholar and a First Team National All-American Little Scholar.
”The designation of First Team All-American Scholar is the highest award bestowed upon Pop Warner Little Scholars’ participants to recognize their academic excellence, according to the organization.
”By receiving this honor, the recipient academically ranks among the top 1 percent of all Pop Warner participants nationwide,” said Rohan’s Certificate of Achievement from Pop Warner headquarters in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
Each year the most academically accomplished Pop Warner kids compete for Academic All-American status. This process begins at the association level and up through each of the eight Pop Warner regions to the national level, according to the organization’s website.
After the applications have been processed, Pop Warner determines National First Team All-Americans (35 Football, 35 Cheer/Spirit per grade), National Second Team All-Americans, and National Honorable Mention Scholars, according to the organization.
Pop Warner then hosts an awards program each year to celebrate the accomplishments of its participants and recognize those that have served as exemplary ambassadors for Pop Warner.
His congratulatory letter said, “You are receiving this award due to the academic excellence that you exhibited in the classroom last year as a member of Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.”
It also invited him to attend the 52nd All-American Weekend at Disney World in Orlando, Florida over Memorial Day weekend.
Rohan is an athlete and a scholar. He has a 4.0 grade point average at Crossroads South Middle School and is a member of the South Brunswick PAL/Pop Warner Pee Wee Football Team, according to organization officials.
”My favorite position is defensive tackle, because I like tackling people,” said Rohan. “My favorite school subject is Science. I’m not sure yet what I want to be when I grow up though, maybe a doctor, or get my MBA, or both.”
Because his mom is a doctor, (Dr. Saritha Regulapati, a primary care physician for adults), he said he believes that a healthy, balanced lifestyle helps. He said he tries to exercise for at least an hour and get at least eight hours of sleep per night.
”As soon as Rohan gets home from school, he puts his backpack down and hits the books. That way, he has time for sports in the evening. If need be, he comes back to his studies after his practice or game,” said Ramdev Regulapati, Rohan’s dad. “He likes sports so much that he’s achieved a nice balance in his routine.”
Rohan is a well-rounded kid who also plays travel lacrosse and basketball, piano and clarinet. He is a Homeroom Representative and in Crossroads’ Symphonic Band.
”I also enjoy playing baseball, golf, volleyball and swimming,” Rohan said.
He is currently in a training program to try out for the Crossroads football team in the fall.
The family is also involved with several charity endeavors and Rohan recently participated in a fundraising swim event for a coach in need.
”Good deeds build character. ‘It’s important to give back’ is a message Rohan’s mother and I try to impart in him and usually good things come back to you, as evidenced by Rohan’s recent recognition,” said Mr. Regulapati.
Mr. Regulapati said, “We are lucky, because Rohan’s teachers have recognized his abilities and push him to challenge himself and succeed.” He added, “Rohan is a fast learner who looks to the logic behind a task or assignment. He puts the effort in, finishes on time, and has good time management skills.”
”As a coach, it was easy for me to see how the same qualities that Rohan exhibited on the practice field led to his success in the classroom. He never missed a practice, knew every player’s assignment on the field, and strove for perfection on every play. At the beginning of the season, Rohan was splitting time at his position with another player, but his persistence and dedication paid off, and he was a full-time starter by the end of the year,” said Head Coach of the Pee Wee Football Team, Mr. Don Parlow.
”Rohan is a highly educated, well-mannered young man who will succeed in anything he takes on. Coach Parlow and I had the honor of attending his ‘Eastern Regional Little Scholars Banquet’ two weeks ago. After spending time with Rohan’s parents, it is easy to see where Rohan gets his wonderful qualities. On behalf of the South Brunswick PAL, we are extremely proud to have Rohan Regulapati and his parents represent our organization at the National Championships in Florida,” said Assistant Coach and SBPAL President, Jake Rodriguez.
Mr. Regulapati said that Mr. Parlow and Mr. Rodriguez were instrumental in Rohan’s success.
Mr. Regulapati said, “Much credit also goes to the coaches and the folks running the SBPAL program. First and foremost, they provided Rohan with motivation and support throughout the process and the season. I hope his winning helps motivate other kids in the township to do their best and to bring more attention to the very worthy SBPAL organization.”
Rohan’s teammate, Joey Campisano, was named a Second Team National All- American Little Scholar for Seventh Grade.
According to his mom and SBPAL Cheer Director, Mrs. JoAnn Campisano, “Joey’s certificate said that Second Team honorees comprised only 2 percent of Pop Warner football players nationwide. I am very proud of this distinguished honor he has achieved.”
