Stoughton High Seniors Mark Phan and Heather Baeta Named Hockomock League Scholar Athletes

Last Thursday evening, the Hockomock League recognized a group of student-athletes for their high performance not just on the field of play, but in the classroom as well at the 23rd Annual Hockomock League Scholar Athlete Awards Dinner.

A male and female from each of the ten Hockomock schools received this award at a reception held at  in Wrentham on May 10.

Seniors Mark Phan and Heather Baeta were recipients this year.

Phan is a three-sport athlete, having participated in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track all four years of high school. He is a fruition scholar.

Phan said being named a Hockomock Scholar Athlete "means a whole lot because it shows that I work hard on and off the field and for other people to notice is pretty cool too. I was really honored because I don't get too many awards and to get one this special was an amazing feeling."

"I would like to give a big thanks to my coaches, teachers, Mr. Colantonio and Mr. Donahue for all they have done for me," Phan continued. 

After graduating from SHS, he will be attending UMass Dartmouth and plans to major in finance. He said he would like to play rugby there.

Baeta played field hockey all four years, participated in indoor track her first three years, played softball in the spring her freshman and sophomore years, and then tennis her junior and senior years. 

This winter, instead of playing a sport, Baeta helped other athletes deal with their injuries, working with the Athletic Training program under Athletic Trainer Jen Dowd. This program required the same time commitment as participating in sport, she said.

This hands-on experience in the Athletic Training Program will help Baeta in college as she will be attending the University of Florida, planning to study physical therapy.

She is a chapter officer of (Distributive Education Clubs of America), a secretary of and a student council representative.

"This award means a lot to me because it honors students for their athletics and academic achievements. It is very difficult to handle coursework and commit hours to sports each day, so to be recognized for it feels great. I am very grateful for winning this award, and it means a lot to me to be chosen to represent Stoughton High," she said.

Baeta added, "Stoughton High School has given me a countless amount of oppurtunities and allowed me to succeed throughout high school. I got a lot out of high school and have seen many sides to it by playing different sports, participating in clubs, and challenging myself academically."

SHS Principal Matt Colantonio and SHS Athletic Director joined Phan and Baeta at the banquet. 

"Both Mark & Heather define the term "scholar-athlete," putting their academics first while maintaining the status of a three sport athlete," Donahue said.  

"Both of these standouts are that are respected by both their peers and coaches. We are proud and honored to have students like Mark and Heather represent Stoughton High School in such a positive light."