The 2010-11 academic year has been a stellar one athletically.

There have been conference titles and Player of the Year awards and the many things that go with local athletics. Our athletes and the teams they represent have excelled all season.

We have been gifted with excellent student-athletes over the years and the success that has come isn’t unusual.

Where this year has been special, however, is the number of student-athletes who will have the opportunity to play at the next level. On a regular basis, our reporters have been out interviewing student-athletes and taking photos as they commit to play a variety of sports at the collegiate level.

Already this year, we have student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent to play football, basketball, soccer, softball and baseball.

The scholarship offers that came their way are a credit to their hard work, dedication and ability. It shows how much they have given to their respective sports.

It is also a credit to their coaches who have worked with them and helped them improve their athletic skills.

We couldn’t be prouder of the young men and young women who will continue their athletic careers in the coming years.

The best thing about the athletic scholarships will be the education that comes with them. That is always the true benefit of an athletic scholarship.

We wish our student-athletes much success in their athletic endeavors at college and even more success in life.

– The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald