Salesianum Senior Named 2005 Delaware State
Scholar-Athlete

Michael E. Kowal, a senior at Salesianum School, has been awarded the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association's Scholar Athlete Award for 2005. One male and one female athlete were chosen as Scholar-Athletes from among all Delaware's student-athletes, along with two runners-up. Each Scholar-Athlete wins a $1500 scholarship applicable to his or her freshman year in the college of their choice.

Kowal was selected on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, service, and athletic excellence. He also had to submit an essay on the effect participation in interscholastic athletics has had on his high school experience.

While at Salesianum, Kowal has compiled an exceptional record of achievement. He is a National Merit Finalist, Presidential Scholar Nominee, National Honor Society Scholarship Nominee and Diamond State Scholar. Kowal was also honored by the Elks National Foundation with a scholarship in their "Most Valuable Student" competition. He has made the Principal's List every quarter he has been at Salesianum, an honor roll for those with a 4.0 grade point average or better. In 2004, he was name an AP Scholar with Honor by the College Board.

Kowal has also helped lead the Sals' track program to excellence. He was All State in cross country in 2004, in winter track in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and in spring track in 2004 and 2005. In 2004, he was the individual state champion in the 800 and the Division I state champion in cross country.

Kowal has co-captained the cross country team and both track teams during his senior year. In 2005 he was the indoor and outdoor 800 champion, and a member of the 4 x 800 state record-setting team. He was a four time gold medalist at the 2005 Indoor Track State Championships and a two time gold medalist at the 2005 Outdoor State Championships. He was the fastest leg on the 5th place 4 x 800 team in the Championship of America race at the 2005 Penn Relays. Kowal will run the 800, 4 x 800 and 4 x 400 at the Nike Outdoor National Championships in June. Kowal will continue his academic and athletic careers at Princeton University in the fall.

Salesianum School is an independent Roman Catholic college preparatory school that teaches young men to "Live Jesus." in the example of the gentleman saint, Francis de Sales. Salesianum prepares young men to live lives of service to the Church and society. Over 50% of Salesianum School students participate in DIAA-sponsored sports as student-athletes.