Padin to Graduate on High Note

George Padin has made an impact on Fort Lee High School, in sports and in the classroom.

Padin was unanimously selected as a Bergen County Scholar Athlete and is only the second player out of Fort Lee to have received the award.

It was a busy freshman year for Padin as he played freshman football, basketball and baseball, where the mere freshman received a varsity letter. But Padin’s most important athletic moments came during his sophomore through senior years when he focused on soccer and basketball.

Padin was the lone three-year varsity soccer player and achieved a lot during his time with the team. He was named team MVP, was a two-time captain and made his name with incredible defensive play.

On the basketball end, Padin was also a three-year varsity player and two-time captain as well. Padin was honored to have earned the male athlete of the year award, but it was also quite sentimental for the senior.

"Although the athlete of the year award was rewarding, it unfortunately signified the end of my high school sports career," said Padin. "The opportunities and experiences I have had playing high school sports are more than I could have ever wished for, and I would never give them up for the world.”

To say that Padin enjoyed his time playing for the Bridgemen would be an understatement. A lot of that enjoyment can be attributed to his coaches over the years.

“I have learned a great amount from my coaches of which I am very grateful," said Padin. "From freshman year, my coaches demonstrated the importance of full-hearted commitment, consistent dedication, necessary sacrifice and teamwork aspirations as oppose to individual concerns and performances. It was a true honor playing under every single one of my coaches.”

It has been a great run for the senior, who will be attending Boston University in the fall and might try out for the soccer and crew teams. Padin has truly enjoyed his time as a student athlete at Fort Lee High School.

“Playing sports at Fort Lee High School has enhanced and been such a major part of my overall high school experience," said Padin. "Fort Lee High School sports gave me the opportunity to compete and play at a high level while having fun at the same time. The coaches, teammates and other relationships I have made through sports will remain with me forever. I am most grateful and will never regret the opportunity of playing sports at Fort Lee high school."