HCCC Student Athletes Honored 
June 17, 2010
Herkimer County Community College recently recognized several student-athletes at the College’s annual athletic awards banquet.
Akeem Ellis (Brooklyn, NY) was honored as HCCC’s Male Athlete of the Year. Ellis, a two-year starter for the men’s basketball team, racked up numerous accolades. He is a Business: Sports and Recreation Management major.
Amber Swanston (Burke, NY) was honored as HCCC’s Female Athlete of the Year for being a leader on both the women’s soccer and softball teams. Swanston is a Liberal Arts and Science: Physical Education major.
George Hajjar (Utica, NY) was honored as HCCC’s Male Scholar Athlete of the Year. A member of the 2010 Region III championship baseball team, Hajjar graduated in May with a degree in criminal justice. Baseball coach Jason Rathbun said, “I am proud of George for enrolling in the honors program at HCCC. Maintaining a high GPA while in that program is a great accomplishment. I have no doubt that he will be successful at his next academic institution, as well as in the workforce once he completes his bachelor’s degree.” Hajjar plans to attend Felician College in the fall where he will play baseball.
Melissa Tundo (Watertown, NY) was recognized for being selected for the SUNY Chancellor’s Scholar Athlete Award and HCCC’s Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. The SUNY Chancellor’s Scholar Athlete Award is the highest award given to a student-athlete in the State University. The award recognizes a combination of outstanding academic excellence and superior athletic achievement. Student-athletes must be nominated by their athletic directors to be considered for this award; nominees are then reviewed by athletic directors from across the SUNY system. Women’s lacrosse coach Dianna Ste-Marie said, “Melissa is truly one of the hardest working athletes I have had the privilege to coach. She led the team this year by example both on the field and off by encouraging her teammates to always work hard to achieve their highest goals. Her intelligence in the classroom is reflected in her play on the field. Melissa was our key defender that could always be depended on to keep the defense working together. I am so proud of all her accomplishments.” Tundo graduated in May with an associate in arts degree in Art Studies.