CHS senior and record-breaking runner Mae Dowling named top scholar athlete in New Jersey

MAPLEWOOD, NJ __ Columbia High School senior Mae Dowling has been named a top scholar athlete in New Jersey.

The runner was named a N.J. State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year, according to a press release sent Tuesday by the South Orange & Maplewood School District.

Dowling ran cross country all four years of high school. In her freshman and sophomore years she also participated on the swim and lacrosse teams before deciding to run cross country and track all year.

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“I am very grateful to receive this award,” Dowling said in the press release. “Being a part of athletics at Columbia is something I will always remember and be thankful for, and I am so appreciative to my teachers, teammates, coaches, and family who have supported my endeavors in both academics and athletics.”

Dowling has committed to George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where she plans to study Human Services and Social Justice. She is a member of the National Honors Society and the Chinese National Honor Society and has been consistently on the honor roll through high school.

Dr. Kevin F. Gilbert, Acting Superintendent of SOMSD, said Dowling’s achievements have been a source of pride for the district and CHS, and he congratulated her and her family on “this very prestigious honor.”

“She is known to be an outstanding athlete and an outstanding student,” Gilbert said of Dowling. “I have no doubt that she will be successful in her future endeavors.”

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According to the press release, member schools each year select a senior who plays a NJSIAA varsity sport, possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, and exhibits outstanding school and community citizenship to be honored as a Scholar Athlete.

Dowling was chosen for the award because of her dedication to the track and cross country program – when she’s competing and beyond.

“Her talents in the sport speak for themselves,” Simon said, noting her being an Essex County Champion in the 800,1600, and 3200 and competing multiple times in the nationals and the NJSIAA Meet of Champions ­– in addition to breaking the CHS record in the 1600.

“But it’s her support of her teammates and the dedication to her studies in academics that make her a Renaissance athlete,” Simon said. “She will be deeply missed in this program by her teammates, coaches, and running community, but we know she will move on to greater and bigger things, accomplishing every goal she sets out towards.”

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