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The Granby Drummer
March 2024
Granby soccer seniors making waves By Chase Alexander, GMHS Class of ‘24 During a winter season when snow blankets the turf fields at Granby Memorial High School, the days of late nights beneath the lights seem ages ago. Amidst a busy winter sports season, it can be easy for our minds to drift from the games that filled the fall calendar, and the approaching spring season headlines the thoughts of some athletes and fans. But for two seniors at GMHS, Addy Earl and Chas Orluk, their accomplishments on the soccer field will not be forgotten anytime soon. Each is a multisport athlete, and several other similarities exist between the pair. For starters, both Addy and Chas served as co-captains on their respective soccer teams this fall, a testament to their leadership and commitment to improve the entire Granby soccer program. They each don the number 10 on their soccer jerseys, a number that has long been reserved for some of the most dynamic players on a team. However, the similarities extend beyond the traits observed on the field. Both Chas and Addy were recently named All New England—an honor that recognizes their talents as some of the best in the entire region. It’s difficult to believe that a pair such as this exists on both the boys and girls teams in many other towns, especially a small Class S school like Granby. Addy, who set a Granby girls scoring record with 112 career goals, was also named Academic All State and will continue her academic and athletic career when she attends the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall. She intends to study biology and chemistry. “I
have always enjoyed representing my high school in academics and athletics,” she said when asked about her memories from playing in Granby. She added, “I take pride in building my future and I look forward to continuing my academic and soccer career.” Addy’s teammates describe her as having an unmatched work ethic that is only outdone by her humbleness. Chas, who will attend Swarthmore College in the fall, will be continuing his academic and athletic career at a highly competitive program. He is a recipient of Academic All State honors as well as the prestigious Valerio Moretti Scholar Athlete Award, which recognizes athletic prowess and academic achievement. When asked about receiving this award, Chas said, “I’d like to think I’ve worked hard on the field and in the classroom, so it means a lot to be recognized…It’s an honor to receive All New England honors, as well as the Valerio Moretti scholarship… I’m so grateful for Coach Dombrowski, my high school teammates and fellow captains, my Rovers coaches and teammates, and my family.” In describing Chas, teammates refer to his commitment to helping them develop strong habits that would benefit the team as a whole. His high school coach, Michael Dombrowski, added, “Chas exemplifies what it means to wear the maroon and gold…He is deserving of all the accolades he has received but he is an even better person.” While the fall sports season may have ended, these two accomplished athletes have left a legacy on the Granby soccer program to be proud of as they enjoy the bright futures ahead of them.
Free Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30 Valley Brook Campus Kids Ages 1-10 | 10:00am
Easter
@ Valley Brook Community Church
Easter Worship Services Sunday, March 31 Two Service Times: 10:00 & 11:30 am Good Friday Worship Service Friday, March 29 | 7:00pm www.valleybrook.cc/easter
Addy Earl, submitted photo
Chas Orluk, photo by Jay Harder
CSAG’s long history of giving
The Community Scholarship Association of Granby (CSAG) has been awarding deserving graduating high school seniors scholarships since 1958. CSAG has awarded more than $650,000 in scholarships to nearly 400 college-bound Granby Memorial seniors, making a significant impact on their young lives. CSAG has been performing this service while managing contributions of all kinds, but particularly funds from a Holcomb Family Endowment and annual fundraising in conjunction with The Granby Road Race. Applicants must be Granby residents who are soon-to-be high school graduates accepted at an institution of higher learning approved by the selection committee. Additional scholarships take into consideration need, initiative, character,
responsibility and higher than average involvement in the Granby community. With continually rising costs of a college education, CSAG asks former scholarship recipients, as well as the Granby community, to please consider making tax-deductible contributions to CSAG so that the organization can award more scholarships and provide more substantial awards. Checks should be made out to CSAG and mailed to Ted Cormier, 12 Silkey Road, West Granby, CT 06090. Scholarship applications are available online through Naviance, at the College and Career Center or through the high school guidance counselor. Completed applications should be submitted to Mrs. Caruso in the GMHS counseling office no later than May 1.