This Week's Student Spotlight: Casey Kern

Age: 17

School: Senior at Albertus Magnus High School

Ever since Casey Kern transferred to Albertus his sophomore year, he has been a tremendous asset for the school, particularly in football and baseball.

Casey has played two years of varsity football, receiving the Best Newcomer Award in 2010 followed by the Coaches Award in 2011. He was also captain of the football team this year.

"The awards are given by the coaches at the school's annual sports banquet. It was nice to be recognized and l was really happy to be able to play. Being a part of the football program at Albertus has been a great experience," said Casey Kern.

When Casey joined the team one of his goals was to stay in shape for baseball during the off-season. The team needed a quarterback. He took over this position without hesitation. Since he was already a standout pitcher it would make sense that his throwing arm was strong and he already had refined eye/hand coordination but there was a catch. A rarity found among such athletes.

"One thing that many of my coaches and teammates have found interesting is that I play quarterback right handed and pitch left handed," said Casey.

This is a testament to what a completely talented athlete Casey is.

Casey's background includes football players, his father played in college and his brother is on the Albertus team as well. And his mom, well she doesn't play, but she is a football fan too.

However, as good as he is in football it is baseball where he really shines.  Baseball is his passion. 

Casey is a left-handed pitcher and plays centerfield when he is not on the mound. He works all year preparing for the spring ball season by staying in shape and practicing.  

"One of my biggest goals this season is to make sure we continue to improve as a team.  We had a very good season last year, but some very good players graduated.  We are going to have to work very hard this off season to be sure we are prepared to compete and improve upon last season. Personally, I would like to improve on my pitching record, throw hard, and go out and pitch every time Coach Gorman gives me the opportunity."

Last year he joined the Astro's 18-Under College Showcase Team, which is a Rockland travel baseball team run by Albertus Head coach .

"It was a great experience.  I was able to play with some of the best players in the area and play against some of the best high school prospects in the Region."

In addition to his athletic skills, Casey achieves academically. Last year he completed AP United States History and is currently enrolled in AP European History. He is also in the Social Studies Honor Society.

Besides sports and school Casey dedicates time to volunteering. His compassion has allowed him to connect with the reality of the outside world as a volunteer at the Haverstraw Food Pantry.

At the food pantry some of his responsibilities include stocking shelves, bagging groceries and taking food out to elderly peoples cars.

"I dont think most people could ever imagine needing to go to a food pantry to get their food. Everyone I interact with is so grateful for this service and might not be able to eat otherwise.  It is really fullfilling to be able to help in a small way and to know at least the people I interacted with were not going to go hungry," said Casey. "After working at the food bank for a while you get to know some of the people who come in from week to week.  The food bank and the people had such an impact that I will continue to help when I can." 

As fortunate as the food pantry is to have a volunteer like Casey, it seems that he is the one gaining from the experience.

Right now Casey is in the process of deciding what college to attend next year.

"I plan on playing baseball in college.  Some of the schools that I am considering are St. John Fisher College, Chestnut Hill College, North Carolina Wesleyan."

Any of these schools will be lucky to have this talented, smart student among their incoming freshman class next fall.

As for Casey's decision to attend Albertus, it was a great choice for him.

"Transferring to Albertus Magnus as a sophmore was a great decision for me.  The teachers, coaches, schoolmates and teammates make Albertus a very special place."

Well done Casey, keep up the great work and best of luck in your final high school baseball season!