Setting high standards and attaining her goals has always been a top priority for Jill Chocallo, an elementary education major from Lehman, Pa. Chocallo can now add the prestigious John Egli Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award to her list of accomplishments. The Penn State Wilkes-Barre sophomore is a Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Academic All-Conference player, as well as the captain and most valuable player of the 2007-08 women's basketball team. She is also a member of the Lady Lions volleyball squad.
While playing two varsity sports and maintaining a 3.3 GPA, the scholar-athlete winner says that, "Being the captain of the first Penn State Wilkes-Barre Women's basketball team has allowed me to demonstrate my many leadership qualities. I'm emotionally moved that my teammates have had the confidence in me to lead this team."
Not only is Chocallo busy attending classes at the Wilkes-Barre campus, she also has dedicated her time to the local community by organizing a food drive, an event which collected over 5,000 pounds of non-perishable food items for the Luzerne County Head Start program. Since coming to Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Chocallo has served as a volunteer at several different elementary schools and high schools, an experience that will help her achieve her dream of becoming a teacher. Currently Chocallo is in the process of completing her Education degree; she will attend University Park in the fall.
The John Egli Award, established in 1982, honors John's long-standing dedication and devotion to Penn State University. Egli was responsible for the development of the high-quality athletic programs currently offered throughout the Penn State satellite system. The award recognizes male and female students who have had a distinguished career in the PSUAC, who have been active in co-curricular activities, and who exemplify outstanding leadership qualities.
For more information, contact Mark Gregorio, Public Information Coordinator at 570.675.9269.
