Mepham football star grabs the gold

Over the last four years, Chris Shevins could be seen on the playing fields of Mepham High School in Bellmore donning the school’s signature maroon, black and white colors. Recently, he added a new color to his palette –– gold.

Shevins, 17, of North Merrick, was selected by the National Football Foundation as one of Nassau County’s “Golden Eleven,” a scholarship award given to the 11 players who best embody the behavior expected of student-athletes on and off the field.

In addition, he also received the Roy Kessenich Memorial Scholarship Award, an honor that requires academic and athletic success.

A member of the football, lacrosse and basketball teams at Mepham, Shevins was entered into consideration for the Golden Eleven Award when the school’s football coach, Anthony Cracco, wrote a letter to the National Football Foundation listing his accomplishments at Mepham.

Shevins, who was named All-County in football and All-Conference in lacrosse, first learned about the Golden Eleven honor during the county awards dinner at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on Dec. 1. He said the announcement came as quite a surprise. “I had no clue,” Shevins said. “When they announced my name, I was really shocked.”

The award considers athletics, academics and community service. Shevins maintained a 3.9 grade point average at Mepham, and took part in numerous clubs and activities at the school and in the community. Shevins is an active member in the National, Art, Social Studies, English and Spanish honor societies, as well as Athletes Helping Athletes and the S.A.L.T. Leadership Program. He has also volunteered for the Rockville Centre Youth Lacrosse Clinic for three years, the P.A.L. Youth Lacrosse Program and the Lupus Walk at Eisenhower Park.

“He really is a model student-athlete and someone who is a true leader in this building,” said Mepham Principal Michael Harrington. “Him being recognized for this award is a reflection of the hard work and the priorities set by our coaching staff and our students.”