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By Emily LaLuna – Sports Editor

Law senior Jarrod Butts recently won the Scholar-Athlete Award from the New Haven Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

Each spring, the New Haven Chapter recognizes seniors that have played football and excelled in the classroom. The student-athletes are nominated by their schools and must have excellent grades and participate in school and community activities.

“It was an honor to receive such an award,” Butts said.

While Butts won the award for his performance on and off the football field, he is also a captain of the Milford Indians hockey team and the Law lacrosse team.

“I’m excited to be co-captains with Jarrod during lacrosse season,” senior Brady Dennigan said. “He’s a great leader on and off the field, always giving positive feedback, and I can’t wait to see what this season has in store for us.”

As for extracurricular activities, Butts volunteers at his church doing office work and other various tasks.

“Jarrod is probably one of the nicest guys I’ve met,” senior Kayla Patrick said. “He is such a well-rounded kid and is a great friend to have.”

Butts also excels in the classroom where he takes several Advanced Placement courses, including AP Biology, AP Literature, and AP U.S. History. These classes involve a lot of dedication and take a lot of time out of any student’s day.

“He is always willing to try and help me figure out how to do a problem I don’t understand,” senior Samantha Hudak said. “He doesn’t just give you the answer, he actually explains it.”

Butts’ college plans are not set into stone yet, but he will attend Messiah College, Northeastern University, or the University of Connecticut.

He is looking to get his Bachelor’s degree in engineering, then earn a Master’s degree, and eventually achieve his main goal of becoming an engineer.

“I really want to become an engineer,” Butts said, “I want to make a difference in communities around the world through problem solving and innovation.”