No. 20 Vol. 10
www.mypaperonline.com • 973-809-4784 October 2024
Denville’s Luke Dickerson Drafted by MLB’s Washington Nationals
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By Evan Wechman enville’s Luke Dickerson excelled both in the classroom and on the diamond, while in high school. The shortstop led the Morris Knolls baseball team to the state championship. He also tied the single season state home run record at 18, joining Major League Baseball (MLB) star Mike Trout from Millville and Ramsey’s Ashton Bardzell. It might have looked easy to some onlookers, but it was hard work. However, it paid off in a big way. Dickerson had been awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Virginia and play on their baseball team. However, when summer rolled around, Dickerson was in for a pleasant surprise. On a hot night in July, Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals selected him with the fifth pick in the second round of the 2024 draft. Though Dickerson was not present at the draft, it was still a memorable evening for him and those close to him. “There were a lot of emotions, a lot of different things going through my mind. I was definitely excited to share that moment with my family. A lot of hard work and time that I put into the game, was just somewhat coming together. Obviously, there’s still a lot of work to be done, but to get drafted, and hear my name called, there was a lot of excitement, joy, and happiness being with my family,” Dickerson says. Though the star athlete was excited for his freshman year at college, he knew he was ready to play pro ball. A few days later, he flew to West Palm Beach, Florida where he played professionally in the rookie league for an affiliate of the Washington Nationals. He also continued his stellar play at shortstop and is hoping to make it to the major leagues within a few years. For Dickerson, this is almost a dream come true. He has fond memories of hanging around the baseball field with his family. His uncle even played Division I collegiate baseball in New Jersey, and his mother was a college athlete too. “Most of my family liked baseball when I was growing up. I would watch my uncle play, and I would toss the ball around with my family, and that’s how I started playing,” he recalls. Dickerson’s love of baseball began in New Jersey, and ironically, he draws inspiration from another superstar who
Luke Dickerson practicing at MLB’s home stadium of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
grew up nearby. Mike Trout, one of the preeminent players in the sport, attended Millville Regional Senior High School where he lettered in two sports. He also played shortstop while in high school as well. He hopes to bring the same attitude to his new profession as Trout has brough to the game. According to Dickerson, “Trout plays the game the right way. As much as he’s a great player on the field, he’s a great person off the field.” Though the two have never met, they may just face each other one day on the field. Dickerson is not just playing a game anymore. He’s competing at an extremely high level against other athletes who want to win as much as he does. However, he’s not shying away from the competition, and he wants others to know anything is within reach. “If they really want this, they can go out and do it. They have to work hard but no matter where you’re from, if this is your passion, and truly what you want in life, trust yourself, work hard, and anything is possible.”
Statistics Underscore the Prevalence of Breast Cancer
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reast cancer affects millions of women and their family and friends every year. Each of those women has their own unique experience upon receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and those journeys hopefully end with successful treatment. Because each woman’s breast cancer journey is unique, data regarding the disease only
tells part of the story. But recognition of key breast cancer statistics is still important, as data can compel support for women fighting the disease and underscore how vital it is for young women to prioritize breast health. • A 2017 study from the American Cancer Society found continued on page 5