The Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) honored senior scholar-athletes from all its member high schools at a breakfast on Thursday, June 2, at Kuhl’s Highland House. Pine Bush seniors Naté Burley and Jack Gandolfini were honored for their outstanding academic and athletic abilities representing Pine Bush.
Naté is ranked 20th in the graduating class of 2022 with a GPA of 97.7. She participated in basketball and softball throughout her and will continue her softball career at Skidmore College where she will major in mathematics.
Naté is a member of the National Honor Society and Girl Scouts. She has achieved high honor roll throughout her four years at PBHS. She received the Distinguished Service Award of the County of Orange, the Sojourner Truth Award in Mathematics and the Sojourner Truth Scholarship.
A leader on the field as well, Naté was the Bushmen’s team captain on both the softball and basketball teams. She was awarded the Softball Coaches Award, has earned NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete awards and was the 2019 New York State Senior Girl Champion for softball.
Naté provides much of her time to community service, including working to raise money for cancer research and helping families that are dealing with cancer. She also donates time to help local homeless people and has been involved with various drives for food, hygiene products and cleaning products for those in need.
Jack is graduating with a 96.9 GPA. He is a member of the swim, football, soccer and baseball varsity teams. He will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall and major in mechanical engineering. He hopes to continue his baseball career at RPI.
Jack’s extracurricular activities include acting, music – both instrumental and voice – Math Club, Interact Club and No Place for Hate Task Force. His awards include the National School Development Council Award of Academic Growth and Student Leadership in Learning, Chief Daniel P. McMann Honor Graduate Award from the Pine Bush Leadership and Law Academy, NYS Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Award and high honor roll. Jack has earned a scholar-athlete award every season.
He brings leadership to the field, serving as team captain for baseball and swimming. He was baseball co-captain in 11th grade and captain of the JV football team
In the community service area, Jack has coached Little League baseball, tutored his peers in various subjects, taught religious education, organized and distributed gift cards, food and meals for holiday drives, and participated in many volunteer building projects. He donates blood at the school drives and has participated in environmental clean-up projects.
Naté and Jack are incredible examples of what scholar-athletes mean to our community. Congratulations to two of the best and brightest here at Pine Bush.