Principal Roy Corso, Harun Tolbert, Afreyea Tolbert, Coach Rachel Kressady, Athletic Director Matt Stone

January 8, 2009

St. Mary High School senior girls' basketball standout Afreyea Tolbert has accepted a four year scholarship to attend Northeastern University next fall. Ranked number two in the entire area by The Record Newspaper, the All County and All State (non public) star averaged 16.5 pts, 8.5 rebounds, and 4 steals per game for the Gaels as a junior. More impressive is the fact that Afreyea is carrying a 3.5 grade point average which has drawn the attention of some of the most highly reputable academic institutions in the country.

"I had many great schools recruiting me, but my final decision came down to five schools: Northeastern University, Columbia University, Dartmouth University, James Madison University,

and Hofstra University. I fell in love with Northeastern as soon as I stepped foot on the campus. It has exactly what I am looking for in a college, a mid size enrollment with the major I want to pursue and a strong internship program," Tolbert said.

Afreyea credits her father Harun, who coached her throughout her elementary school years with helping her attain her goals. "He instilled in me a work ethic that has made me the person and student athlete I am today. Coach Dressel, Coach Kressady and St. Mary High School were and continue to be a big part of my development as well," she said.

"My dad told me to trust him when he enrolled me at St.Mary High School and I am glad I did. It has been a great experience. It is a close knit, diverse school community where students are challenged both academically and athletically. My brother is a sophomore on the boys' basketball team and my younger brother who is in 6th grade will be here in a few years." The boys have a hard act to follow.