Greensburg Central Catholic's Nico Cortese and Derry Area's Amanda Palenchar were the Excellence Award winners last week at the 52nd annual Westmoreland County Scholastic Scholar-Athlete banquet.

The event was at Ferrante's Lakeview on Route 30, Hempfield.

Amanda is a top-flight volleyball player, diver and pole vaulter who has made multiple PIAA appearances in all three sports. She has a 4.08 grade point average and will attend Penn State University.

Nico is an outstanding wrestler who was a multiple PIAA place-winner. He has a 4.0 GPA and is headed to Duke University.

Mike Rice, men's basketball coach at Robert Morris University, was the featured speaker at the May 7 banquet, which honored 38 student athletes -- two from each of the county's 19 high schools -- for their academic and athletic excellence.

The event is hosted by John J. Driscoll, presiding juvenile court judge in Westmoreland County.

Other finalists were Alison M. Mols, Norwin; Cara Lynn Colley, Penn-Trafford; Adam Lock, Jeannette; Samantha G. Bower, Greensburg Salem; Alexa Bryson, Greater Latrobe; Josh D. Vick, Kiski Area; Shane Welsh, Burrell; Christina Chukwuedo, Monessen; Eric Frund, Southmoreland; and Laura Tiumack, Mount Pleasant.

Also nominated were Steve Removcik, Norwin; Dave Floyd, Penn-Trafford; Kathryn Thompson and C.J. Clegg, Hempfield Area; Jason Hegedus and Ashton Klingensmith, Yough; Donnie Tasser and Sue Radic, Belle Vernon Area; Matt Maloy, Derry Area; Andre Shields, Greensburg Salem; Eric Keto, Greensburg Central Catholic; Abigail Ondeck and Tom Summers, Franklin Regional; Seth Napierkowski, Burrell; Ryan Kissell, Greater Latrobe; Nicole Linsenbigler, Jeannette; Jesselyn Terrill, Kiski Area; Megan Bennett and Grace Altimus, Laurel Valley; Caleb Karasack and Amy Pompelia, Ligonier Valley; Roger Brandemarte, Monessen; Dane Dombrosky, Mount Pleasant; Jamie Lynn Henry, Southmoreland; and Lucy M. Jackson and Galen Bakos, Valley.

Also at the dinner last week, retired Mount Pleasant athletic director Ron Firment was honored for distinguished service. He worked in the Mount Pleasant district for 36 years, 15 as athletic director.

Mr. Firment received the annual Mike Ferrante Memorial Award for his contribution to scholastic sports in Westmoreland County.