Published in the November 19, 2015 edition
NRHS SENIORS Nick Ponte and Julia Valenti sign their letters of intent to compete athletically for colleges next year – Ponte and Merrimack and Valenti at Dartmouth. (Courtesy Photo)
NORTH READING — On Friday afternoon two North Reading High School seniors, Nicholas Ponte and Julia Valenti made their college choices official. Ponte signed his National Letter of Intent to play goalie for Division II Merrimack College while Valenti committed to compete in track and field for Ivy League Dartmouth College.
Nick has been the backbone of the North Reading High School lacrosse team’s defense over the past couple of years. Over the past two seasons, in 40 plus games. he has averaged fewer than six goals against per game. Ponte has received numerous accolades including being named a Cape Ann League all star twice. In the off season Nick plays for the club lacrosse program HGR based out of North Andover. Besides lacrosse Nick plays football for the Hornets and is the starting goaltender for the ice hockey team.
Julia is a three time Division IV state champion and defending All State Champion in the Pole Vault. She holds the school record and Division IV state record in the Pole Vault at 12’ 7.5” She is also an All State level 100 meter hurdler and competes in all track events under 400 meters and all field events, including throws and jumps. Julia was named the Cape Ann League Athlete of the Year last year as a junior. Julia will compete on the indoor track and field team this year for the first time in order to better prepare for the spring track and field season.
