Brian Keohane, a senior at Wellington C. Mepham High School, has been selected as a News 12/Capital One Scholar Athlete of the Week. Brian will receive a $1,000 scholarship as one of only 30 students from Long Island selected for this prestigious honor.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Keohane. “I’d like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way – teammates, coaches, faculty and my parents.”

In addition to being valedictorian of the Class of 2014 and a National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalist, Brian is a three-season athlete in cross-country, basketball and spring track, serving as captain on all three teams this year. Outside of athletics, he is a member of the math team, science club and Athletes Helping Athletes and takes a challenging roster of classes, including Advanced Placement English, macroeconomics, Calculus BC, Physics C, Italian and psychology. He’s interested in studying engineering next year in college. Brian is the first Mepham student to receive this honor and the second districtwide.

“Simply put – Brian Keohane is one of the best students I’ve ever encountered in my years in education,” said Principal Michael Harrington. “He is a tremendous scholar and a wonderful athlete who deserves the recognition. The list goes on and on of the things he has done for Mepham High School. He’s an invaluable member of our student body and has made Mepham a better place.”

In order to be considered for the News 12 Long Island Scholar Athlete Award Program, seniors must excel in athletics, leadership and scholarship. They must have an unweighted average of 90 or above, SAT scores of 1,950 or higher, outstanding participation in at least two sports and examples of solid leadership skills, among other criteria. Winners will be honored with their parents, coaches and athletic directors at a year-end dinner in June.

Brian’s segment can be viewed here.