Athletics, Academics Share LIC HS Center Stage

Long Island City High School is located at 14-30 Broadway in Long Island City.

With the start of the 2006-2007 sports season fast approaching, Penny Bellas is very optimistic and motivated, looking forward to another great run in sports at her Queens high school. Serving as the athletic director at Long Island City H.S., Bellas led her girls' soccer team to a win in the city championships, in the B division, last season, so it's no wonder that excitement surrounds the sports department, and the team hopes the good fortune will follow them into this new season.

Although soccer is very popular at the school, 10 different sports teams will be starting their seasons at the beginning of September. Some of the teams being offered and starting out this stellar year in athletics will include football, fencing, cross country track, girls' golf and girls' volleyball, just to name a few.

But Long Island City H.S isn't all fun and games. In fact, in order to participate in any sport, a student will have to accumulate eight credits over two terms and earn four credits and pass a gym class to stay eligible. Academics are regarded highly at the school, and Bellas does not allow slackers to participate, nor will she allow playing time to failing students, even if they're excellent athletes. "Academics are very important to us. I'm responsible for not only the medical papers for the athlete, but also for their academics," Bellas said. "It's first and foremost at our school."

With a very good coaching staff working at her side, combined with great student athletes, Long Island City H.S. is well on its way to academic and athletic success. The high school is currently looking for athletic sponsorship, and although nothing has been formalized, the Ron Artest Foundation is considering being a sponsor.

--Katrina Walters