Elizabeth Forward selects Ocilka, Chornak
Tyler Ocilka is Elizabeth Forward's fall male selection in the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar/Athlete Spotlight program.
Natalee Chornak is Elizabeth Forward's fall female selection in the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar/Athlete Spotlight program.
Elizabeth Forward has selected Tyler Ocilka and Natalee Chornak as its fall representatives for the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar-Athlete program, and both are worthy of the honor.
Ocilka, the son of John and Angie Ocilka of Elizabeth Township, has a 4.4 GPA, while Chornak, the daughter of Michelle and John Chornak of Elizabeth, has a 4.8 GPA.
“It is an honor to be nominated,” said Chornak, who starred on the soccer team. “To work so hard in the classroom and on the field, it feels good to be appreciated and I hope that I have made the district proud.”
“I’m grateful to be chosen as it is a great feeling to be recognized for the work I’ve put in between school and football,” said Ocilka, who started three years on the football team at tight end and defensive end.
As standouts in their respective sports, they looked back at their most memorable moment fondly.
“Starting my first varsity game, which was the second game of my freshman year, is mine,” said Ocilka, who will major in Actuarial Science at Robert Morris.
“Helping (the EF girls soccer program) win the first section title in 14 years and being on the field doing it with my best friends,” shared Chornak, who will major in Pharmacy at Wingate University in Charlotte. “I broke down in tears on the field with two minutes to go because I was able to fully take in the moment and atmosphere.”
Ocilka chose LeBron James as the professional athlete that he admires most, while Chornak chose soccer star Julie Ertz.
“LeBron always promotes himself in a way that he knows he is the best without being cocky,” Ocilka said.
“Although she is taller than me, she resembles me and plays so aggressive,” the 5-2 Chornak said of the 5-7 Erdy.
Chornak said her parents have had the greatest influence on her career, while Ocilka chose his 21-year old brother Michael.
“My parents have always pushed me to go to the next level,” said Chornak, who has played soccer year round since she was little. “They have afforded me every single opportunity that I have had.”
“My brother was the first person to show me how hard work pays off,” Ocilka said. “He always tested me to see what I was made of.”
Both Ocilka and Chornak have proven in the classroom and on the field to be made of what it takes to be successful, and for their hard work, they are Elizabeth Forward’s fall selections for the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar-Athlete program.