Before her family, peers, district administrators and coaches, Hampton Bays High School senior Emma Candelaria committed to play Division III softball at Wheaton College in the fall.

Emma, who plays softball and basketball, earned a $108,000 scholarship to attend the college, which is also the alma mater of both of her parents.  
  
During the ceremonial signing, Drew Walker, the district’s director of health, physical education and athletics, praised Emma for her dedication on the field and in the classroom. 

“She is a class A student and we are very happy for her,” he said. 

Hampton Bays High School Principal Christopher Richardt added, “She is a top student with a diversified resume. We hope that other students learn from her example.” 

In addition to spending hours on the softball field and basketball court, Emma is also a member of her school’s Key Club, Varsity Club and student council. 

Emma said she selected Wheaton College for its size, campus and expanding science department. She intends to study biology in the fall.