Danvers High Student-Athlete Up for Hood Sportsmanship Scholarship

Danvers High student Rachel Trocchi is a candidate in the annual Hood Sportsmanship Scholarship Program. 

Trocchi, who has played varsity field hockey, hockey and lacrosse, needs your help if she's going to win. 

You can go to the site and vote from now until 3 p.m. April 18. The top 10 students who receive the most votes will be selected as finalists. They will be interviewed by a panel of judges in May. Three students per state will be selected as winners and they will receive $5,000 scholarships each. 

Each entry included an essay on why the participant should be selected for the scholarship. 

Here is Trocchi's essay: 

I am a passionate athlete, you know the kid that other kids roll their eyes at in gym class. I don’t know how to give anything less than 100%. I play varsity field hockey, hockey and lacrosse. This year I was a three sport captain. Many kids focus on one sport throughout the year. I have always enjoyed the change of seasons. When asked what is my favorite sport, I answer “It depends on what season it is.” This weekend my hockey team plays in the second round of the state tournament. I am excited and anxious. We have every opportunity to keep going and win it all. But at some point it will be over. And at some point my varsity athletic career will be over. I can’t even write that without welling up. It is such a big part of who I am. I had hoped to play sports in college. I was recruited to play lacrosse from a few schools. In the end, I made a very difficult decision to pursue stronger academic opportunities. A couple of friends and I ran a campaign this year to benefit an organization called Girls Rising which helps to fund educational opportunities for girls around the world. After recognizing how many girls do not have the same access to education that I do. How could I not take advantage of the greatest challenges available to me. I hope to study engineering in college and someday leave my mark on the world.