Ellenville Seniors Named 2026 MHAL Scholar-Athletes

ELLENVILLE – Ellenville Junior/Senior High School seniors Scott Ramos and Lyla Denman have been named the school’s 2026 Mid-Hudson Athletic League (MHAL) Scholar-Athletes, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding achievement in both academics and athletics.

The annual award is presented to two students from each MHAL member school who exemplify excellence in the classroom, athletic accomplishment, leadership, and service to their communities. Ramos and Denman were recognized during the MHAL Scholar-Athlete Breakfast on May 28 alongside fellow honorees from across the league.

Ramos has distinguished himself as one of Ellenville’s top students, ranking second in the Class of 2026 and serving as salutatorian. Throughout high school, he competed in Varsity Soccer, Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track, earning 14 Varsity letters. He served as captain of the Soccer team, earning Most Valuable Player and Section IX All-Star honors in that sport.

Beyond athletics, Ramos has been actively involved in the National Honor Society, Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), Spanish Honor Society—where he serves as president—and the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute. His commitment to community service includes working as a soccer referee, providing Spanish tutoring, delivering food to families in need, and mentoring younger students.

This fall, Ramos will attend Providence College.

Denman, ranked third in her graduating class, has excelled both academically and athletically as a standout member of the Varsity Girls Soccer and Varsity Softball teams. She served as captain of the Soccer team during the 2025-2026 season and earned the team’s Coach’s Award. In Softball, she served as captain in both 2025 and 2026 and was named Player of the Year in 2024.

A member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, Denman has also dedicated significant time to community service. Her volunteer efforts include serving as a referee for the local AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) program, tutoring students in Spanish, mentoring participants in the Ellenville Junior High Drama Club, and volunteering at community events hosted by the Ellenville Nursery School and the Ellenville Elks Lodge.
Denman will attend SUNY Geneseo this fall, where she plans to major in Political Science before pursuing law school and a career as a civil rights attorney.

“Scott and Lyla exemplify what it means to be a scholar-athlete,” said Ellenville Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics Matthew Salamone. “Their achievements in the classroom, on the field, and throughout the community reflect years of hard work, dedication, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of both students and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.”