Three Mentor High School seniors have earned outstanding academic opportunities thanks to their dedication and skill in athletics. Alyssa Kelley, Courtney Klemens and Samantha Nameth, all signed letters of intent to accept college athletic scholarships at a ceremony at the Mentor School District administration building on Dec. 14.

Kelley, who in her freshman year was the first girl ever to play on the Mentor boys baseball team, switched to fast pitch softball her sophomore year and will play for Ashland University next year. Alyssa says she chose Ashland for reasons including its location, campus atmosphere, softball coaches and team.

Klemens received both academic and athletic scholarships to Walsh University in North Canton, where she will play golf next season. Courtney was named First Team All-Conference and News-Herald Player of the Week this year, contributing to a 14-4 regular season and 8-1 league record. The team finished 7th in the sectional tournament.

Nameth, who has been swimming since age 6, says the highlight of her athletic career at Mentor High was making it to state-level competition in her sophomore year. Samantha is accomplished in the butterfly stroke, and is accepting a scholarship to swim at Eastern Michigan University. She says she chose Eastern Michigan because of its pool facility and team atmosphere.

Congratulations, Alyssa, Courtney and Samantha, and best of luck in your future athletic and academic pursuits.