Blake Ellis/The Independent

Another honour for LCCVI’s Yarko Zelenchuk.

Just days after being named a Nicol Scholar at the Petrolia secondary school, Zelenchuk received the Stefanko Award for academic and athletic excellence.

In 2007, former Sarnia Legionnaire and St. Pat’s alumnia Stephen Stefanko set up the award for graduating students in Sarnia-Lambton. It recognizes students who excel academically, in high school sports – often competing at the provincial level – and being active in the community.

Tuesday, Zelenchuk received the award for the male athlete and Taryn Stoukas, a St. Pat’s student, was the female recipient.

“I’m super happy,” said Zelenchuk.

High schools in Sarnia-Lambton each submit a male and female nominee for the award. A panel, with includes Stefanko, choses the recipients.

‘The fact that they chose me is amazing. I didn’t expect that,” said Zelenchuk.

Zelenchuk came to Canada from the Ukraine and has excelled in his four years at LCCVI. He has been active in tennis, swimming track and field and badminton. He will be continuing playing tennis while through college, as he wants to see how far he is able to go in the sport. This summer, he’s playing on the Ontario Tennis Association circuit.

Zelenchuk will be attending Lambton College in September in the Automation and Instrumentation Program. The award includes a $2,000 scholarship.