Seniors Ella Michelitch and Robert LaBarbera were among the honorees representing 29 school districts and schools who were recognized at the 2026 Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) Senior Scholar Athlete Breakfast, held June 4 at the Country Club at Otterkill in Campbell Hall.
“Ella and Robert have excelled both on the field and in the classroom, demonstrating an impressive commitment to success in every aspect of their lives,” said Superintendent Brian Monahan. “Their ability to achieve at such a high level in athletics while maintaining outstanding academic performance serves as an inspiration to their peers. We’re proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing what they achieve in the future.”
About Ella
Ella, who ranks Number 22 in the Class of 2026, is a member of the Indoor Tack, Outdoor Track Diving and Basketball teams. Her athletic honors include being a two-time National High Jump champion; a four-time All-American; four-time State champion (three-times in High Jump; one-time in Pentathlon); and a 10-time Section IX Champion. She is the State record holder in the Pentathlon.
In school, Ella is a member of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and named to the High Honor Roll; is editor-in-chief of “Valé,”the 2026 High School Yearbook; and is a member of the Varsity Club.
Off the field, Ella is a Minisink Valley track camp counselor; an Algebra tutor; a soccer ball girl; and a Feeding Minisink table volunteer.
She is attending the University of Oklahoma and will major in psychology, with an exercise science minor, and will be a member of the university’s Track & Field team.
About Robert
Robert, who ranks Number 50 in the Class of 2026, is a three-time track All-American; a four-time track state champion; a seven-time track state placer; a seven-time Section IX champion; a football captain; a two-time All-State quarterback; and the 2024-25 Class A “Back of the Year.”
He is a member of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and named to the High Honor Roll as well as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club.
Off the field, Robert is a counselor for the Minisink Youth Football and Youth Track camps; is a Veterans Dinners server as a member of the football team and National Honor Society; a Minisink Heritage Museum clean-up and elementary field day volunteer.
He is attending the University of Rhode Island and will major in physical education, and will be a member of the Track & Field team.