2025 Harry Roberts Senior Scholar-Athlete Award Winners
Dover, DE – May 13, 2025 – The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 DIAA/Harry Roberts Senior Scholar-Athlete awards. Katie Payne, Tatnall School, and Joshua Hevelow, Newark Charter School, have been named this year’s girls and boys first place recipients. Margaret Helkowski, Concord High School, Ella Miller, Newark Charter School, Jason Homer, Tatnall School, and James Szpak, Salesianum School, were also named as recipients.
The award is named in recognition and memory of Dr. Harry Roberts, former Superintendent of the Caesar Rodney School District who served DIAA on several committees, most notably as Chair of the DIAA Sportsmanship committee for many years. The awards are presented annually by the DIAA based on a student’s academic, athletic and leadership accomplishments.
“The Sportsmanship Committee had a difficult job this year as this year’s applicants were exemplary. It is a testament these student athletes’ commitment to their academic and athletic achievements. The exceptional qualities these young people possess were evident. The field is a living tribute to the benefits of participation in interscholastic athletics. These student-athletes exemplify the outstanding job DIAA member schools are doing in providing a well-rounded educational experience for Delaware’s young people.” said Executive Director David L. Baylor.
Since this award’s inception in 1999, the DIAA has named 148 scholarship recipients from over 40 different member schools.
| 2024-2025 Female Winners: | 2024-2025 Male Winners: |
| 1st Place ($2,000) Katie Payne, Tatnall School | 1st Place ($2,000) Joshua Hevelow, Newark Charter School |
| 2nd Place ($1,500) Margaret Helkowski, Concord High School | 2nd Place ($1,500) Jason Homer, Tatnall School |
| 3rd Place ($1,000) Ella Miller, Newark Charter School | 3rd Place ($1,000) James Szpak, Salesianum School |
More about the winners:
Katie Payne, Tatnall School
Katie Payne is an accomplished student-athlete from The Tatnall School, where she has excelled in academics, athletics, and the arts. A high-honors student inducted into the Cum Laude Society, Katie has taken a rigorous course load, including multiple AP classes. She is a state and national champion in cross country and track, earning titles such as Delaware Gatorade Cross Country Player of the Year and Nike Nationals All-American. Beyond academics and athletics, Katie is a leader in Mock Trial, the National Art Honor Society, and serves as an admissions ambassador. She will continue her academic and athletic journey at the University of Virginia.
Margaret Helkowski, Concord High School
Margaret Helkowski is an accomplished scholar-athlete and student leader at Concord High School. Ranked among the top students in her class, she is a ten-time varsity letter recipient in field hockey, swimming, and soccer—serving as team captain for all three. Maggie is Student Council President, a district-wide student representative, and deeply involved in service and STEM outreach. Her commitment to inclusivity inspired her to design adaptive equipment for students with disabilities, aligning with her future plans to study mechanical engineering at Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College.
Ella Miller, Newark Charter School
Ella Miller is a standout senior at Newark Charter School, excelling as a three-sport varsity athlete, academic scholar, and student leader. She has captained her school’s field hockey, soccer, and indoor track teams, earning All-State and All-Conference honors while balancing a rigorous course load. Passionate about biomedical engineering, Ella has conducted independent research at the University of Delaware and ranked among the nation’s best in biotechnology competitions. As Senior Class Vice President and a key leader in multiple service organizations, she embodies integrity, resilience, and commitment to community. Ella plans to pursue bioengineering in college.
Joshua Hevelow, Newark Charter School
Joshua Hevelow is a standout scholar-athlete at Newark Charter School, known for his exceptional achievements both in the classroom and in athletic competition. A National Merit Finalist and Presidential Scholar candidate, Joshua has earned top national awards in computer programming and cybersecurity, while also serving as president of the Coding Club and Secretary of the Delaware Technology Student Association. On the athletic field, he is a varsity captain and standout performer in both basketball and lacrosse, earning All-Conference honors in lacrosse. Known for his leadership, innovation, and character, Joshua exemplifies excellence in both academics and athletics.
Jason Homer, Tatnall School
Jason “Jack” Homer is a standout scholar-athlete and community leader from The Tatnall School. With a top 5% class rank, Jack has earned induction into the Cum Laude Society and received multiple academic honors, including the DIAA Crown Trophy Award. A three-sport varsity athlete, he is a multi-year captain in football, basketball, and golf—leading his teams to state-level achievements and earning All-State honors across all three sports. Beyond athletics, Jack serves as a Senior Peer Leader, Student Ambassador, and Bass Section Leader in Concert Choir, and he co-founded the Mini-Masters fundraiser for First Tee-Delaware, raising $8,000 in its first year. Known for his integrity, resilience, and positive influence, Jack exemplifies leadership in academics, athletics, and service. He will continue his academic journey at the University of Virginia.
James Szpak, Salesianum School
James Szpak is a high-achieving student-athlete and leader from Salesianum School with an extensive resume of academic, athletic, and service accomplishments. A three-sport varsity athlete and cross country team captain, James helped lead his team to a state championship and was recognized with the DIAA Scholar-Athlete Award. He is also an AP Capstone Diploma candidate who has completed 14 AP courses and earned accolades in academic competitions such as Math League and Science Olympiad. Beyond the classroom and track, James co-founded his school’s largest club, led multiple service initiatives, and consistently demonstrated leadership, compassion, and a drive to uplift others through roles in student government, campus ministry, and peer mentorship.