Eight-graders Julian Navarro and Marlee Estatico were named the recipients of the 2016 Diablo Award at the annual Superior Junior High Sports Awards Banquet, which took place on Apr. 27 at the school.
The Diablo Award is presented each year to the top male and female athlete, but also recognizes student-athletes for their performance, behavior and character in the classroom and in the community.
“I didn’t think I was going to win the award,” Estatico answered when asked what it meant to her to be selected. “I’m just really happy I won it. I just wanted to play sports and I did the best I could.”
Estatico is a three-sport athlete – volleyball, basketball and softball. She understands academics provide her the opportunity to participate in athletics.
“I know my mom and dad would kill me if I got bad grades,” she said. “So I didn’t want to get any bad grades and wanted to represent Superior the best way I could.”
Navarro, also a three-sport athlete – football, basketball and baseball – was asked about winning the award.
“I wasn’t expecting to win,” he responded. “It means a lot to me.”