Senior Steven Longo of Becton Regional High School has been honored at the NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete Luncheon Award, a prestigious honor given to one standout student-athlete from each high school across New Jersey.
With only around 375 students selected statewide, and a total of $187,500 awarded in scholarships, this recognition highlights a rare combination of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and leadership.
Longo attributes this accomplishment to his ability to remain focused and disciplined across all areas of his life. “Being able to balance my time between school while excelling in my sports year-round helped me achieve this award,” he explains. “My training throughout each year for soccer and track, along with a determined mindset in the classroom, were crucial factors in earning this recognition.”
At the luncheon, Longo was able to bring two guests. As part of the ceremony, each scholar-athlete was introduced on stage along with the name of the college they will attend in the fall, celebrating their success among peers from across the state. Longo will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology, where he plans to continue his athletic career in track.
One of the most memorable moments in Longo’s athletic career came when he had the opportunity to play at Red Bull Arena and won an overtime soccer match against Wood-Ridge. However, his path was not always easy. He faced performance slumps and repeated injuries, both of which tested his mental toughness. “I didn’t let poor performances get in my head,” he says. “I used them as motivation to work harder. When it came to injuries, I refused to let them drain my confidence. I committed to recovery and managed to reduce long healing periods into just days. That mindset helped shape me into a tougher and more resilient athlete.”
Winning the NJSIAA award was deeply meaningful for Longo, as it validated the hard work and persistence he has demonstrated throughout his high school career. “This award is a testament to how far I’ve come—in the classroom and on the field,” he shares.
When asked who inspires him most, Longo points to his mother. “She always puts others before herself and constantly reinforces the importance of dedication and determination. These are values I carry with me every day.”
Longo also expresses sincere gratitude to the coaches who have guided him along the way, saying, “I’m thankful for the dedication and time my coaches invested in me and in helping all student-athletes grow and reach their full potential.”
Looking ahead, Longo hopes his award serves as motivation for others at Becton. “For the Becton community, I hope this shows that with perseverance, time management, and a strong work ethic, you can succeed academically and still pursue the sports or passions you love.”
