By Marc Thaler
Staff Writer

The number of award recipients was quite large. But by no means did that lessen the accomplishment of every individual.

Honored by the New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women on Monday, Jan. 31, close to 600 female student-athletes took center stage inside the Capitol Center for the Arts.

Young women from more than 75 high schools throughout the Granite State were recognized for their tremendous accomplishments in sports and scholastics at the 18th annual New Hampshire High School Women’s Athletic/Academic Awards.

“As a parent and a coach, I know how valuable it is to young women to be involved in sports,” said Gov. John Lynch in his welcoming address. “It teaches how hard work and determination can pay off.”

The honorees were selected by their respective principals and athletics directors, had to be in the 12th grade, currently active in at least two varsity sports, hold a B+ grade point average, and serve as role models and community leaders.

Setting goals and achieving success were the central themes of the nearly two-hour ceremony, highlighted by keynote speaker Nina Kemppel – a four-time Olympian and 19-time national Nordic ski champion.

“Striving for excellence is a habit,” she said. “It’s a habit you form early in life.”

Kemppel shared several stories of her quest to become a champion skier, which began when she was 7 and, admittedly, not too good at the sport.

Still, she persevered because she was passionate.

As a result, her dream was finally realized upon hearing the cheers of 60,000 fans at her first Olympic Games, she said.

The picture Kemppel painted really hit home with Bedford’s Courtney Chisholm, a cross country runner and Nordic skier at Manchester West.

“She made some very good points,” Chisholm said of Kemppel’s speech. “It’s very important to do something that makes you happy. And it’s a good thing to keep pushing for something positive.”

Kemppel also offered three pieces of advice to her audience, which tied into her stories.

“Dream it, share it, and enjoy it,” she said.

First, “dream it” meant every young women must believe in herself and her ability to reach certain goals.

Second, “share it” touched upon the need for award recipients to give back to the parents, teachers and coaches who devoted their time and energy to them.

Third, “enjoy it” spoke to the importance of doing something that’s truly loved.

“If you enjoy it and have passion,” Kemppel said, “you can overcome any obstacle in your way.”

Kemppel’s words weren’t lost on these ladies.

“She was extremely motivational,” said Kerri Sullivan, who plays field hockey, basketball and runs track at Goffstown. “After she finished, my friends and I were like, ‘We can do it guys! This is it. We’re gonna go to states!’ (Kemppel’s) words motivated us to have the same mindset as her.”

“If I get up in the morning and I love my job, it’ll make things so much easier,” said Pembroke Academy’s Nicky Rennie, who participates in cross country and basketball. “I’ll get a lot more out of it because I’ll put a lot more into it.”

But perhaps the best part of the midday event was valuable advice given by Chisholm and PA’s Kaitlyn Schmidt, a soccer and basketball player, to the ladies who will be recognized next year.

“I’d say to next year’s girls to keep up the hard work,” Chisholm said. “Follow your dreams and you’ll get where you’re supposed to be.”

“Work hard, keep a positive attitude,” Schmidt said. “And be happy with yourself.”

A complete list of award recipients can be found at www.state.nh.us/csw.

Derryfield School
Jenna Bee – field hockey; lacrosse Emily Fritch – soccer; Alpine skiing Amanda Kutz – crew; softball Christina Nyquist – Alpine skiing; field hockey Heather Schofield – field hockey; tennis Victoria Starr – basketball; softball Alexa Warburton – field hockey; lacrosse

Manchester Central
Kristen Casey – cross country; winter and spring track Shana Covey – soccer; winter and spring track Danna Frink – soccer; winter and spring track Caitlin Healey – cross country; winter and spring track Megan Lessard – cross country; winter and spring track

Manchester West
Courtney Chisholm – cross country; Nordic skiing Rachel Mixon – cross country; Nordic skiing Carolyn Kelly O’Hara –swimming; softball Jamie Panunzio – volleyball; track Amy Nicole Piscopo – cross country; Nordic skiing Erin Willey – soccer; track

Trinity High School
Katie Conrad – golf; skiing Kathleen DeRosa – soccer; indoor track Kaitlyn Funk – cross country; indoor track Alyson Jodoin – soccer; basketball Danielle St. Pierre – soccer; basketball Kate Thomas – basketball; softball Kathleen Twomey – cross country; basketball Laura Veckerelli – cross country; tennis