Ean Eshelman and Stephanie Bott were most unique student-athletes at Baldwin.
“Both demonstrated hard work in their academics, volunteerism, athletic ability, self-sacrificing, high energy, and both always were positive,” Vince Sortino, Baldwin's athletic director, said.
Eshelman and Bott were recipients of the Vince Sortino athletic director scholarships at the senior awards banquet held recently in the high school auditorium.
“Ean is a true Highlander,” Pete Wagner, Baldwin's head football coach, said. “Ean is an individual who has always put his school and teammates first because of how much he genuinely cares about everything he is involved with.”
Eshelman, 18, was a four-year varsity member of the Baldwin football program, and a two-year letterman.
He also was a four-year member of the marching band, and has served four years as the school district's bagpiper.
“I am honored to be chosen out of the many great student-athletes at Baldwin,” Eshelman said. “I am also thankful toward Mr. Sortino for choosing me to be a scholarship recipient.”
Bott's resume also is exemplary, both on and off the athletic landscape.
She was a four-year varsity letter winner in track and field, and a three-year letter winner in cross country.
Bott, 18, served as a cross country team captain in 2014, track and field team captain in 2015, and was named team MVP in cross country in her senior season.
“I enjoyed running cross country the most because it's more exciting to run on an open 5K course versus a track,” she said. “My greatest high school memories were going on a four-day trip to Richmond every cross country season to compete in the Maymont cross country festival.
“Every year, I had a great time bonding with my teammates, and this past season, I won the race I competed in.”
Bott was president of the Baldwin Science Club, social chairperson of the National Honor Society, and a volunteer for the Junior Achievement program.
She plans to attend Pitt in the fall and study molecular biology.
“Stephanie's dedication to her team and her teammates is tremendous,” Rich Wright, Baldwin's co-head cross country coach, said. “She has given everything of herself.”
Eshelman, well-known as an ambassador of school spirit at Baldwin, received many honors and awards while in high school. They include the Highlander Pride Award, and the United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award.
“I was privileged to represent the district as a speaker at Baldwin's first TEDx conference, being the SHASDA representative, and participating in the district's 75th anniversary gala,” Eshelman said.
Eshelman is a member of the National Honor Society and Boy Scouts of America, a CPR instructor, and a piper for the Pittsburgh Paramedics Pipes and Drums.
“Ean will go out of his way to help others, and he fully understands the ‘pay it forward' mentality,” Wagner said.
“Ean has a promising road ahead of him because of his relentless work ethic. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.”
Eshelman, who compiled a 4.0 grade-point average, will continue his academic career studying biology in the pre-med program at St. Vincent College, where he plans to continue his football career. He is a 6-foot-4, 290-pound lineman.
“I expect to get a first-class education in biology/pre-med, and I am excited to continue my football career,” he said. “I grew through four years of football to be a starter at left guard my senior year.
“In the marching band, I became the first student at BHS to be a member of both the football team and marching band, and participating in both at the same time. As a freshman, I took it upon myself to carry on the Highlander tradition and learn to play the Highland bagpipes. This has opened up the opportunity to play with the Pittsburgh Paramedics Pipes and Drums, and be chosen as one of the six bagpipers from across the nation to play at the National EMS Memorial Service in Colorado Springs that pays tribute to fallen EMS providers in the line of duty.”
The athletic director scholarships are sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association.
“I feel very honored and thankful to have won the award,” Bott said.
Sortino, the 2015 Region IV athletic administrator of the year, plans to continue the scholarships at Baldwin in the future.
The guidelines for athletic director scholarship recipients are as follows:
• Seniors who have been accepted into a post-high school education program.
• Can be male or female and must have earned more than one varsity letter.
• Should have demonstrated good citizenship and good sportsmanship during their senior year.
“I feel my time and the opportunities within the halls of Baldwin High School have made me the person I am today,” Eshelman said. “Being a four-year member of the varsity football team, the marching band, and as a bagpiper, while maintaining a high academic standard and being a member of the National Honor Society, have taught me lasting life lessons and skills. I was honored to represent Baldwin not only on the field on a fall Friday night, but also playing the bagpipes in the Baldwin-Whitehall community and beyond.”
Bott capped her athletic career at Baldwin at the WPIAL Class AAA track and field championships in the girls' 1,600-meter event.
“It was fitting she finished her career at the WPIAL finals,” said Wright, also an assistant track coach. “From the moment I met her, Stephanie has been a great asset to our programs; she will be missed. She's a great young lady who can't be replaced.”
Eshelman's dedicated school spirit will be difficult to replace as well.
“My greatest high school memories consist of being on the football field, as well as having the honor of the senior class voting me the most school spirit,” he said.
“I have piped at many senior recognition events. The district also granted me the opportunity to play across the state and nation at public events.
“I am happy with the opportunities I have been afforded throughout my years in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. Go Fighting Highlanders! Go Bearcats!”
Ray Fisher is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at 412-38-5820 or rfisher@tribweb.com.
