Danielle Reese and Shane Robinson were the recipients of the James Snyder Award at Bald Eagle Area High School Tuesday night. The award, sponsored by the Centre Daily Times, is given in memory of Snyder, a former CDT sports editor, who was killed in an automobile accident in December of 1957.
The award is given to the male and female letterwinners who also demonstrated excellence in the classroom as well as being a good citizen in the school and community.
Reese, the daughter of Keith and Jadine Reese, is a four-year letterwinner in basketball and volleyball and a three-year letterwinner in track and field. Reese was an all-state volleyball selection and leaves the school as its all-time kills leader after helping the Lady Eagles to the District 6 quarterfinals. She also was a key member of a basketball team that also advanced to the district quarterfinals for the first time in more than a decade. In track and field, Reese competed in the javelin and the long and high jumps at the District 6 championships.
Reese will be the senior class valedictorian at Friday’s graduation ceremonies. Her other school activities include the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. She also participates in church and club volleyball.
“It’s a great honor to me because all through high school I’ve really felt academics are important, but at the same time I have a passion for sports,” Reese said of winning the Snyder Award. “I feel like this is a reflection of the hard work I’ve tried to put forth.”
Reese became the second member of her family to win the Snyder Award. Her sister Amanda won the honor in 2006.
“It’s neat just knowing that we both did it,” Danielle said. “It’s something we can share together.”
Reese will attend Saint Francis University and play for the Red Flash volleyball team on a combination of athletic and academic scholarships.
“It’s a little nerve-racking, but I’m definitely excited,” Reese said about playing volleyball at the next level.
She is undecided on a major, but is leaning toward business. She said right now she’s thinking of exploring a management degree or possibly something in real estate.
Robinson, the son of Denise Robinson, is a three-year letterwinner in football and wrestling. Robinson placed fourth at 189 pounds in the District 6 Class AAA Wrestling Championships this past season.
Robinson’s other school activities include National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Environthon, Eco-Meet and Senior Executive Committee. He was also a National Football Foundation scholarship winner.
Robinson said the winning the Snyder Award made his evening.
“It’s a great thing, a very humbling experience to know all of the hard work and time I put in is being recognized,” he said. “Before, I had people coming up to me and saying, ‘Hey how do think you’re going to do tonight? Do you think you’re going to get this or you’re going to get that?’ All I could think about is, ‘I hope I get the Snyder.’ That’s what I really wanted and that’s what I really worked hard for.
“It’s great just to see all of the names and go out in the hallway here by the main gym and look at that plaque and see all of the great names that have come through this school and have been honored by this award and to know that my name is going to be on the plaque for little kids to see and look up to.”
Robinson will attend Penn State University and is currently undecided on a major. He said one career path he’s contemplated is getting a management degree, going to law school and becoming a sports agent.
“That would be sweet because it combines business and sports,” said Robinson, a big fan of the movie Jerry Maguire. “I’m a sports nut. My mom and girlfriend are always on me that all I watch is ESPN. I can’t think of too many people that love sports more than me.”
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