N.B. recognizes June scholar award winners BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer Carol Leigh Womack NORTH BRUNSWICK - The June Scholar/Athlete/Artist award recipients proved that not everyone succumbs to spring fever at the end of the school year. Carol Leigh Womack and Eric Otterbein were nominated to receive the monthly award presented by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services. Womack, who is approaching her senior year of high school, has taken Advanced Placement history, English and psychology on her way to a 3.5 grade-point average. A member of the National Honor Society, she has also been the vice president of the Italian Club, the secretary of the concert choir, a member of the Speech and Debate Club, a member of the Municipal Alliance Committee and a camp counselor. She is also a part of the high school's Alchemist Theatre Company, her acting career spurred by a role as a munchkin in "The Wizard of Oz" when she was younger. Her acting transcript now includes over 20 shows including "Guys and Dolls," "West Side Story," "Grease," "Pippin" and "Godspell." "It gives me a chance to be in the spotlight," she said. Eric Otterbein Her favorite role was as Anita in "West Side Story" because "it really gave me a chance to dance because I'm not really a dancer." However, she can sing, performing the national anthem at various events around town. "I can hope for Broadway but if not I would love to be involved with some aspect of theater, whether working on sets or being behind the scenes," she said. In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Womack also played softball and basketball and was a cheerleader before high school. "I just have to be really careful when deciding to go out with my friends and make sure I practice and do everything I have to do first," she said of managing her time. Otterbein, who will be a junior in the fall, was honored by his award nomination. "I appreciate the Scholar Athlete award given to me by the mayor and council. I have worked very hard this semester to make the honor roll. My studies have become much tougher this year so balancing school and sports has taken a lot of effort," he said. For the athletic component of his award, Otterbein was recognized for being an eight-year soccer player and a six-year basketball player. Although he doesn't think being a center back on defense for soccer and being a forward in basketball correlate much, he gets a similar rush when he is out on the playing field. He hopes to continue playing soccer but is not sure if it will lead to a professional career. In addition to his academic and athletic activities, Otterbein is a member of the township's Youth Council and a volunteer at Our Lady of Peace Church. "It feels good to help," he said. "I try to be a good and productive citizen of North Brunswick." In his spare time he enjoys snowboarding, surfing and swimming. "I have a beach house and I'm there pretty often so I just got into surfing, and I went skiing one year and tried snowboarding and I liked that better," he said. Otterbein credits the adult figures in his life for helping him become successful. "I would like to thank my parents, my teachers, my mentor Councilwoman [Cathy] Nicola and all of my coaches for always setting a good example for me," he said. The DPRCS is accepting nominations for its Scholar/Athlete/Artist program. Coaches, teachers and parents of children in grades K-12 can submit their recommendations to the DPRCS Office at 710 Hermann Road or to LBenson@northbrunswickonline.com. Nominations must be in writing, no longer than one page, and a copy of the student's most recent report card must be attached.