Westglades Athletics Names 6 Marjory Stoneman Douglas Students Scholarship Winners

In alphabetical order: Raquel Alvaredo, Emily Burke, Anthony Cardinale, Samantha Fisher, Aaliyah Johnson, and Brett Lickerman.

By Sharon Aron Baron

In three years, Westglades Athletics has awarded $6,300 for Marjory Stoneman Douglas student-athlete scholarships, and this year they’re awarding six scholarships totaling $2,300.

The requirements for the scholarship are to have played an MSAA sport at an MSAA school, played 1 season of sports at MSD, have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and complete an essay and application.

Aaliyah Johnson $1,000

This year’s $1,000 recipient is Aaliyah Johnson. According to Westglades Athletic Director Paul J. Battaglia, she is one of the main reasons Westglades Athletics could purchase uniforms, equipment and offer the scholarship.

She was one of the kindest students Battaglia had ever taught and was one of the main individuals to operate the concession stand since it started when she was in 6th grade.

He said her dedication and work ethic literally earned Westglades Athletics thousands of dollars.

“She never complained or wanted glory; she just wanted to help out Westglades Athletics. Westglades Athletics is truly indebted to her.”

Samantha Fisher $500

Fisher played soccer, flag football, and track at Westglades. At MSD, Samantha played JV basketball and varsity lacrosse. Battaglia said Fisher is a true competitor, and as a Westglades Wolf, she was always striving to be better.

“She always wanted to win. I have refereed her in rec and high school basketball, and she just wants to win. She is always smiling, and I loved to make fun of her in middle school, and she always was good sport.”

Fisher will be attending Elon University, where she will play lacrosse.

Anthony Cardinale $500

Cardinale ran track at Westglades, and at MSD, he ran cross country and track. He was also a member of the JROTC Raiders.

“Anthony was one of the easiest people to be around in a classroom. He was an old soul in 6th grade,” said Battaglia. “I enjoyed teaching him, and I was thrilled when he made Westglades track. It is awesome to see him as a young man doing so well in school and athletics.”

Anthony will attend Florida State University and is planning on joining a running club at FSU.

Raquel Alvaredo $100

Alvaredo played soccer at Westglades and MSD and was part of their soccer tradition of not losing a regular-season game.

“I remember thinking that when she was playing, she was like a quiet kid, but on the field, she was dominating and fierce. She was a silent leader,” said Battaglia.

Emily Burke $100

Burke played soccer and track at Westglades and soccer at MSD. Battaglia believes Burke is the funniest middle school athlete he has ever encountered.

“Every coach would ask me, ‘is this kid serious?’ Players would say, ‘you have to hear what Emily said.’ She was an amazing athlete. She was an outstanding soccer player and track participant. She was always ready to compete.”

Brett Lickerman $100

Lickerman played flag football, basketball, and track at Westglades. Brett participated in cross country and track and field at MSD. Battaglia referred to him as the kid that played every sport.

“He tried very hard and led his team by example,” he said. “I remember that he wanted to earn being the scholar-athlete, and he worked hard inside the classroom and on the court and fields. He is one of those guys that loves sports.”

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Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.