WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK. August 14, 2008: Dan Woodard, former White Plains High Principal, and tireless advocate for athletic achievement in White Plains, with football coach Michael Skip Stevens presented a $1,000 check from this week’s NFL Hall of Fame inductee and White Plains High great, Art Monk, witha a crystal spire trophy to Ray Mitchell the star running back and receiver for the 2007 White Plains football team at Loucks Field today.

Number 33 Ray Mitchell chosen outstanding 2007 Football Senior, receives Art Monk Award. Coach Michael Skip Stevens, left, Dan Woodard, former White Plains High School Principal, at right.

Mr. Mitchell will play football while attending Hartwick College in Oneonta, starting practice this Saturday, he said. He plans to major in business, and hopes to fit in, any way he can on the team, and help Hartwick, which he described as a strong winning program continue its football success.

Ray Mitchell, hanging slightly back, about to set up a TD (Center of action) following James Bryant about ready to throw a key block that would spring The Rayman  at 3rd and 10 from the 39 for a 24 yard run to the 15 yard line to set up the first Tiger Touchdown in the second quarter  in WP's victory over Scarsdale last season.

Mitchell praised his White Plains High experiences, saying that former players such as Marcus Austin who come back to help the program were a great inspiration and created a strong White Plains football performance ethic. He said he appreciated the team efforts of coaches to help each other and work for the betterment of the program. Complimented on Mr. Mitchell‘s proclivity for orchestrating comebacks and making big plays when the team was behind, Mr. Mitchell attributed that to the former players who helped him and the coaches: “At White Plains, we never believe a game is over until the scoreboard reads 0:00.”

Mitchell said he planned to use his $1,000 for purchase of books and academic needs. Mr. Woodard thanked Mr. Monk for his $1,000 gift, which Mr. Monk has given to deserving White Plains football seniors annually for the last fifteen years. Woodard said Mr. Monk always tells him to give the money to the player he believes most deserves it for their academic and athletic contributions.