Warwick seniors honored at 2026 OCIAA Scholar Athlete Breakfast

Warwick Valley High School students and Wildcat athletic standouts Reagan Smith and Hank Wendell were recognized by the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) as WVHS’s Senior Scholar Athletes of the Year during a recent ceremony at Otterkill Country Club.

To be chosen as an OCIAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a student must meet a set of rigoisous criteria. These include ranking in the top 20% of your graduating class and maintaining a GPA of 90% or higher during your athletic season, which must be at the varsity level of their sport. The students must also demonstrate outstanding citizenship, sportsmanship, and community involvement. Nominees are selected by their school's athletic department. Earlier this year, during a scholar-athlete celebration at Warwick Valley High School, WVHS principal Dr. Georgianna Diopoulos announced that Reagan and Hank had won the OCIAA awards for Warwick Valley.

Dr. Diopoulos spoke about her joy in witnessing both students’ growth since elementary school, highlighting their achievements as multi-sport athletes, scholars, and student representatives to the Board of Education.

“It is such an honor to introduce these two students,” Dr. Diopoulos said. “They have excelled in athletics, in academics, and as leaders within our school community. Watching them grow into the remarkable young people they are today has truly been a privilege.”

Reagan is vice president of the Class of 2026 and a student liaison to the Board of Education, ensuring that student voices are heard. She coordinates tutoring for Mu Alpha Theta, is a track team captain, sings in chorus, plays volleyball, and participates in clubs. Her leadership centers on kindness, listening, and creating meaningful experiences for classmates. Reagan has received multiple awards and has played a key role in planning school events and student senate initiatives.

Hank is also a distinguished student leader and student liaison to the Board of Education. He serves as president of the National Honor Society. He runs cross-country and track, plays tenor saxophone in the wind ensemble, and leads the debate club. He has successfully balanced AP courses and advanced science labs with extracurriculars and leadership responsibilities. Hank has received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award and served as sergeant-at-arms at American Legion Boys’ State. He participated in West Point’s Summer Leadership Program last summer. He will be attending West Point in the fall.

At the OCIAA event, former Warwick Valley football and track athlete Greg Large was the keynote speaker. He was introduced by WVHS athletic director Greg Sirico, Large's former football teammate. Large told the student-athletes that success in sports and life come from overcoming adversity and always giving your best.

"I always showed up and always gave my best," Mr. Large said. "It's not about being the best, it's about giving your best every day," Mr. Large said.

Join us in congratulating Reagan and Hank on their achievements. 

Reagan Smith

• Class Rank: 20
• Academic Honors/Extracurricular Activities: Senior Class Vice President; National Honor Society; Officer Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society; US Army Academic All-American; SADD Officer; Board of Education Student Liaison
• Varsity Sports: Volleyball; Flag Football, Cross Country; Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field
• Athletic Honors: Indoor Track All-American(1,600-meter relay); NYS Medalist Indoor Track; Two-year Wildcats Captain for Indoor/Outdoor Track; Volleyball NYS Final Four Appearance in 2025; School Record Holder in Four Track Events
• Community Service: NHS Tutor; Wildcat Student Ambassador; Youth Track Club Volunteer
• Future Plans: University Rhode Island -- Engineering; Track

Henry Wendell

• Class Rank: 6
• Academic Honors/Extracurricular Activities: Board of Education Student Liaison; National Honor Society President; Mu Alpha Theta Vice President; US Army Academic All-American
• Varsity Sports: Cross Country, Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field
• Athletic Honors: Wildcat Captain Indoor/Outdoor Track; Section IX Champion Indoor/Outdoor Track; Top Seven Performer in Cross Country
• Community Service: Warwick Youth Track Volunteer Coach; NHS Tutor
• Future Plans: United State Military Academy at West Point