In 2010, The Weston Lacrosse Club established the Weston High School Merit Award in order to honor one senior class member from each of the Weston High School men's and women's lacrosse team each season.  The recipient is chosen based on embodiment of the core values of the Weston Lacrosse Club as demonstrated by:

• Leadership
• Sportsmanship
• Athleticism in the game of Lacrosse
• Citizenship
• Scholastic Achievement
• Community Service

• Merit Award Winners are recognized at the WHS end of year award ceremony and permanently on the Weston Lacrosse Club website. Winners receive a cash scholarship of $1500.  Children of board members of the WLC are not eligible for the Award.

2021 WLC Merit Award Recipients:

Rebecca Strouch

Andrew Albert

Anyone who knows Andrew Albert knows that lacrosse is his passion. He was a captain and the starting goalie on the 2021 Class M State Champion Weston High School varsity lacrosse team and had 20 saves in the 5-4 overtime state championship game. Andrew was named Second Team All State and First Team All SWC for the 2021 season. As a sophomore, he was a backup goalie on the 2019 varsity team that was the Class M and SWC runner-up. Unfortunately, his junior season was cancelled due to COVID.

Andrew embodies the core values of the WLC Merit Award. Examples of his leadership include serving as varsity team captain as well as being a founding member of the WHS St. Baldrick’s Club. Andrew has used his love of lacrosse to help kids in Weston, in a neighboring underserved community, and globally. Andrew has volunteered at WLC clinics since he was in 7th Grade. Throughout high school, Andrew has been a frequent volunteer with Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse, at their clinics and through other mentoring programs.  Andrew also has participated in two winter service trips with Israel Lacrosse, during which he helped teach the game to Israeli youth and played lacrosse in Israel, Serbia and Poland.

Andrew is an honor roll student who was awarded the Presidential Community Service Award in 2020 and was inducted into the National Art Honor Society and National Latin Honor Society.

Andrew will be continuing his education and lacrosse career during a Post Grad year at The Hill School and thereafter plans to play varsity lacrosse in college.

Past WLC Merit Award Recipients:

2020: 

Mary Alice Kohn

Mary Alice Kohn fell in love with lacrosse when she started playing for Weston Lacrosse in clinics and has enjoyed being part of the lax community ever since. She loved being a three season athlete for Weston High School and was honored to be selected as a captain for swimming, basketball and lacrosse. Mary was proud to lead her team in the pool, on the court and in practice. Fostering team spirit, dedication and inclusion were her main goals as captain. She was delighted that the swim team won SWC’s and States again this year and was glad the basketball team made it to the State playoffs. Mary was grateful to receive the Coaches Award swimming and basketball. Mary has received a Scholar Athlete Award for each sport each season. Mary was proud to be selected as the first co-chair of the Class Act Athletic Committee and was honored to be awarded the Thomas G Sacramone Coaches Award and the South-West Conference Leadership Award this year. She has enjoyed serving the school athletic community and has tried to lead by example in terms of positive attitude, effort and commitment. 

Outside of sports, photography is Mary’s passion. She has been in the National Art Honors Society for 3 years and served as the communications chair for the organization this year. Mary also participated in the Open Arts Alliance Junior Ensemble Tour for the past five years. This organization is dedicated to bringing the arts to senior citizens. Mary was a student leader for the group this year and helped to choreograph and stage the musical revue they presented for the seniors. Mary has also participated in theater while in high school performing Ursula in The Little Mermaid, The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, Lily St. Regis in Annie and Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods. Mary also enjoys sharing her passion for swimming as a coach and swim instructor at Lewisboro Pool. 

Mary is excited to continue playing lacrosse and swimming at St. Michael’s College in Vermont.

Austin Grogan

Austin was chosen for the 2020 WLC award for his dedication and selflessness towards both his team and the youth lacrosse program. Austin finished his sophomore and junior seasons with All-SWC honors and his junior season with All-State recognition, along with a trip to the SWC and Class M finals. 

Although Austin could not play his senior season as a captain due to its cancellation, he proved to lead his team by example in his prior seasons. Austin has shared his passion and knowledge of the game by volunteering with several youth programs for many years including SafeRides and ADAP (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program), and is a founding member of the Full Court Peace Club at WHS, which gives less fortunate children access to the game of basketball.  Austin also served as assistant lacrosse coach to the 2024 boys' team and assistant at youth clinics. 

Austin will continue to play lacrosse this fall for the club team at Fordham University.

2019:

Madison Wilson

Madison moved to Weston in her sophomore year in high school and made an immediate impact on the lacrosse program. She started her Weston HS career in 2017 with a trip to the state finals for Class S. She was voted captain in her senior year and led her team to the final four in the Class S state tournament. She has earned SWC All Division honors in 2018 and 19, and was also selected on the Second Team All State for 2019.  Madison has dedicated and volunteered countless hours to the Weston Lacrosse Club youth program. Madison was the assistant coach for the 5th and 6th grade team in her senior year. The youth players look up to Madison as a role model both as a player and person. The Weston Lacrosse Club is proud to honor Madison with an award that is well deserved to a hard working, motivated student and lacrosse player. Madison will be attending Trinity College in the fall, where she plans to try out for the lacrosse team. We wish her the best of luck!

Daniel Lucas

Daniel Lucas has played as a lacrosse goalie since the age of 7 for Weston and club teams.  In 2019 Daniel became co-captain of the WHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team and was named to SWC 2nd Team this year and SWC Honorable Mention last year.  He also played on the WHS Varsity Football team since sophomore year, competed on the WHS Varsity Boys Indoor Track and Ski Team. His friends, teammates, coaches and teachers all hold him in the highest regards.  Daniel has felt an inner calling for public service from a young age.  He is a junior firefighter with the Weston Volunteer Fire Department.  As a Builders Beyond Borders (B3) team member since freshman year, Daniel has continually stretched his comfort zone through independent travel with peers from neighboring communities to construct school facilities for impoverished communities in Ecuador, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. This year, he was nominated to serve as a B3 Team Leader and received the Kiwanis Club leadership and Service Award. Daniel will be attending the United States Coast Guard Academy where he will continue to play lacrosse, and upon graduation will commission as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.  We wish him the best of luck.

2018:

Sofia Bara

Sofia has made a positive impact on the entire Weston lacrosse program from the high school varsity team to the youth program.  Sofia has volunteered countless hours teaching younger players in the off-season, always with enthusiasm and energy.  Bara has been a Certified Junior Official for two years.  In Sofia’s lacrosse career, she has earned accolades including SWC All-Patriot player, Senior Captain and is a 2018 USLacrosse All Academic Award recipient, which only 21 girls in the state receive.  Sofia dedicates her time off the field to volunteer at a local community center that uses equine-assisted therapy to help disabled children. The Weston Lacrosse Club is proud to honor Sofia for her hard work, and for sharing her passion for the game of lacrosse with the entire program. We wish her the best of luck as she attends New York University in the Fall.

Jason Baisley

Jason has been a member of the high school varsity team for four years, but his impact will be felt beyond his time on the field. His accolades of being selected twice as Team Co-Captain, three times for First-Team All-SWC and 2 times as 2nd Team All-State recognize Jason for the outstanding player he is. But it's Jason's character and leadership off the field that earned him the Merit Award and distinguish him from his peers. His teammates speak about Jason as a great leader and mentor and credit him with bringing the team together. Jason has shared his passion and knowledge of the game by volunteering with the youth program for may years, as well as serving as assistant coach to this year's sixth grade boys' team. He's been recognized as an SWC Scholar Athlete, yet still makes time for community service both inside and outside sports. Jason is an unparalleled role model and we wish him the best as he heads to Colby College to continue his academic and athletic career.

2017:

Alec Steinberg 

Alec was chosen as the WLC 2017 Merit Award winner for his on-field and off-field leadership, his commitment community service and for his dedication to helping advance youth lacrosse in Weston.   While Alec is a standout player with All-State honors and having the most points the past two seasons for Weston, he is noted by his coaches and teammates for his unselfish behavior as a player and as a team captain.  Alec has shown is dedication to community service by community by giving up two high school Spring breaks to do charity work in Guatemala and Dominican Republic.     Alec will continue to play lacrosse for the club team at Miami (OH) University.      

Ingrid Crumpton

Ingrid began playing lacrosse with the WLC in sixth grade when she moved to Weston.  She made an immediate impact on the program as a player, and continued to give back to the youth players during her time on the high school team.  Ingrid is a three year starting defender for the varsity program, and her strong defense and leadership carries with her off the field as well.  Ingrid is a true teammate, unselfish leader and captain, and true role model to the youth players in our program.  Ingrid's respect for her teammates, to her coaches,  and her willingness to do whatever it takes for what is best for the team to succeed are admirable traits that younger players strive to be. Ingrid will be attending Lafayette University in the Fall.

2016

JT Delara
JT was chosen as the 2016 WLC merit award winner for his dedication, work ethic, and leadership both on and off the lacrosse field.  JT starting playing lacrosse as a youth  and went on to start every varsity game his freshman year, ending with a state championship. As a senior, he was elected captain and leads his team by example. He was also recognized by Kiwanis for his work with "Solarize Weston" project. JT will continue to play lacrosse at Union this fall.

Emma Cook
The WLC chose Emma Cook for her love of the game, her hard work and perseverance despite physical setbacks along the way. Emma started playing in 3rd grade and credits her experience as life changing. The friendships she forged and life lessons learned on and off the field have helped her become the respected and committed teammate that she is. Emma is very involved in her church and looks forward to attending Fordham in the fall.

2015

Peter Lummis: Peter was chosen as the 2015 recipient of the WLC merit award for his dedication to lacrosse and his leadership both on and off the field. Peter was chosen as a captain both his junior and senior year and is respected by his teammates, coaches and opponents alike. He has volunteered countless hours for the Weston warm up find, participated in midnight runs to serve the homeless and is always willing to help out at youth lacrosse practices. Peter will be attending Gettysburg college in the fall

Kristin Caolo: Kristin came to a program with very high expectations to play probably the most stressful position on the field. Her coaches credit her positive attitude, composure, and her willingness to improve her skills during the off season and feel she had an immeasurable impact on the success of the WHS team over her three years. She has passed along her love of the game by volunteering  countless hours helping coach youth goalies. Although she wasn't a product of the youth program, she is an inspiration and a role model  to girls who are looking for the courage or motivation to try something new.  With a resume academically rigorous and her community service positions varied, the WLC is proud to honor Kristin and we look forward to follow her lacrosse career as she plays at vassar in the fall.

2014

Lindsay Koch: Lindsay has been a dominate player on Weston's fields since she began playing lacrosse in 5th grade.  Her achievements are too numerous to completely list here but she finished her senior year as Weston's All-time leading goal scorer (career record TBA), was named First Team all-state and First team all conference for the 4th consecutive year! Lindsay was a leader on the field as well as off as she served as captain to the 2014 team.  She leads by example, and her humility and sportsmanship are a model to the younger players she graciously mentors and coaches. She will be attending William and Mary College this fall and we look forward to watching her on the lacrosse field again next year!

Grant Limone: Grants stat's also speak for themselves as he is regarded as one of the top three goalies in the state! He lead his team to a state championship in 2013, was named an ALL American in 2013, 2 time Captain, SWC defensive player of the year and will be attending Loyola this fall.  His level of play raises the level of his teammates, and he has been a leader his entire HS career.  His actions have instilled confidence and excitement for Weston youth players and he continues to volunteer his time for the WLC by working with the youth program.

2013
Stef Buffa: Stef has been a contributing force on the lacrosse field since she first began playing in third grade.  Stef quickly found her place on defense and used her speed and stick skills to help defend her goalie.  Another tremendous contribution she has made to the WLC was to become a certified Junior ref as a freshman. She could be found most weekends reffing consecutive games, and was even agreeable to help out other towns when there was a shortage.  Her leadership,  guidance and control of the game was a big help to both coaches and youth players.  Stef is a wonderful representative of the spirit of the Weston lacrosse Club merit Award and we congratulate her!
 
Jimmy Brasco: Jimmy was chosen as this years Weston lacrosse Club merit Award winner because of his unselfish spirit and respect of the game.  Jimmy started playing in the fifth grade and is a hard worker both on and off the field.  Jimmy is a true team player who is well respected by his fellow teammates and coaches alike.  Jimmy’s work on “ saferides” and his outstanding academic achievement  make him a worthy candidate of this award and the WLC congratulates him!

2012
Maggie Maretz:  Maggie's enthusiasm, leadership and kindness both on and off the field made her the choice for the 2012 award.  As a multi-sport athlete since middle school and captain of her soccer team, Maggie has demonstrated an uncanny ability to juggle athletics, a job, as well as various community service endeavors.  She has raised money and participated in breast cancer awareness since she was 10 yrs., old and she worked many afternoons behind the cash register at Peter's Market.  Maggie is an excellent role model for her teammates.  She will be attending Boston College in the fall and hopes to join the club lacrosse team.

Zach Kraft: Zach was chosen for his commitment and love of the game, as well as his empathy and support of teammates and friends alike.  Since he began playing lacrosse in the 3rd grade, Zach has exhibited leadership as an encouraging teammate and was elected JV captain in his sophomore year.  He has lead by example as a friend and mentor to a disabled youth adult through the Friendship Circle.  Zach has balanced academics and athletics and has take a lead role in various community service organizations including Weston's cancer society, Big Brother's and Saferides.  Zach will be attending Bucknell University in the fall and plans to play club lacrosse.

2011
Alexandra Fumai:  Alex has been playing lacrosse since the 5th grade and was a varsity player since her freshman year.  Alex enthusiastically volunteered for the Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse league on countless Sundy mornings and her warmth and kindness towards the kids made her a welcome volunteer.  She was the conduit between the youth and high school program and could always be counted on to help out whenever she was needed.  Her involvement in the St. Francis youth group sets an example for other players as to the leadership and dedication it takes to be chosen as a WLC Merit Award winner.  Alex is attending Fordham University and is planning to join the club lacrosse team.

Jack Crowell:  Jack was chosen for his dedication and compassion both on and off the lacrosse field.  Jack exhibited leadership in the community by raising money and awareness for a child and his family stricken with leukemia.  Jack successfully balanced athletics and academics throughout his four years at Weston High School.  He demonstrated a giving and unselfish spirit.  He was also the captain of the football team.  Jack will be attending Middlebury College where he will be a member of the football team.

2010
Samantha Seath: Sam possessed the enthusiasm, motivation and strength of leadership to be unanimously chosen to win this award.  As a multi-sport athlete since middle school, she continued to make lacrosse a priority through high school and was chosen as a tri-captain her senior year.  Sam was the conduit between the High School players and youth teams and could be counted on to help out whenever she was needed. She successfully organized pre-season conditioning programs for her team and lead them to the best record the Weston Girls Lacrosse Team has had to date.  Her youth mission trips to Honduras and to Mississippi, as well as her involvement with ADAP sets an example to other players of the leadership and dedication it takes to be a WLC Merit Award winner.  Sam is attending William Smith (Hobart) College in the fall where she has been invited to try out for lacrosse.
 
Andrew Baron: Andrew was unanimously chosen as this year’s recipient for his dedication, compassion and enthusiasm both on and off the lacrosse field. Andrew exhibited leadership as a teammate, basketball captain, and as a friend and mentor to a classmate challenged by autism.  Andrew started playing lacrosse in 3rd grade.  He played 2 years of junior varsity and w years of varsity lacrosse in high school.  He balanced academics and 2 sports teams during his four years at Weston High School and was chosen as this year’s WLC Merit Award recipient by demonstrating a giving and unselfish spirit.  Andrew demonstrated his readiness and commitment to lacrosse as a role player.  During his senior year, he was on the first man-down defensive unit, but served as a back-up player on the main defense.  Despite having never started a varsity game, he was thrust into the starting role for the 2010 Class S Championship Game and performed outstandingly to help lead the team to a 7-6 win.  Andrew will attend Tulane University in the fall.