Rachel Zajdel '11 and Jack O'Brien '11 represented Christian Brothers Academy as the recipients of the Scholar-Athlete Award presented by Section III Athletics at a dinner held June 6, 2011, at the Rusty Rail in Canastota, NY where over 60 schools were represented. Both were nominated by the school for their outstanding academic achievement and success in athletics, as well as community service, citizenship and extracurricular activities. The Scholar-Athlete Award is the highest academic honor bestowed by the organization and is presented to a top male and female student-athlete from each of the 100 plus schools in Section III. To be eligible for selection, student-athletes must have a cumulative GPA of 90% or better and have participated in varsity competition. 

 Jack O'Brien (Syracuse) and Rachel Zajdel (Jamesville) on the night of the senior ball in May

 Zajdel, who will attend University of Notre Dame this fall, excelled in outdoor track at CBA and received various honors for her artwork. O'Brien will attend Hamilton College where he will join the men's lacrosse program.

In addition to the scholar athlete award, Jack O'Brien was selected to receive a one-time $2000 AXA Achievement Community scholarship to be used for post-secondary education related expenses. In recognition of the scholarship, AXA Advisors invited Jack and his parents to an honorary check presentation on June 24th at the Syracuse Chiefs game. Jack's essay for the scholarship was about his coaching of 3rd and 4th grade lacrosse for Eastwood Youth Lacrosse Association.

Jack O'Brien accepts scolarship check from AXA representative R Andrew Hagan