Typically on graduation day I am honored and privileged to present a female and male student-athlete award to those who have distinguished themselves both in their respective sports and with their academic performance. While the ending of this school year is not typical by any means, neither are the two very deserving student athletes who represent the best of Clocker Nation both on and off the fields, epitomizing #BlueTidePride.

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the entire class of 2020 for all of your contributions to the Ashland athletic department, school district, and community as a whole. You have set the bar high, and have inspired future generations of Clockers to not just dream of bright lights, banners, and lifelong memories...but to truly embrace the journey, putting in the work necessary to be successful and rock the royal blue and white with heads held high. You’re an inspiration to all of us and you certainly are “all in.” Thank you and remember; once a Clocker, always a Clocker. Congratulations to all of you!

This year’s female student athlete of the year award goes to a three-sport star who was a four-year member of the varsity field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse teams. This impressive student-athlete was a 4-time Tri-Valley League All-Star, a 3-time MWDN all-star and a two time captain. While that is impressive in and of itself, it was the way she impacted her teammates and set a positive tone through leadership that stood out the most. A fierce competitor, she was known for her hard work, spirit, and selfless attitude. Needless to say, she was impressive all around. 

Her coaches note the following about her:

“She is a phenomenal athlete, but more importantly, leads her team with a kind heart, positive attitude and strong work ethic. She always looks to help her teammates on and off the field, wins and loses gracefully and I can always count on her to jump in during timeouts or halftime to keep morale high in tough games. She truly embodies what it means to be a role model and is an asset to any team she plays with. It has been an absolute pleasure to coach her.”

“She is a fierce competitor, exemplary leader, and most of all a great teammate, respected and loved by every player. She was a big reason the program turned around and cannot be replaced. Ashland HS is losing one of the best true athletes and one of the nicest students I have had the honor of coaching in over 20 years as a HS coach.”

As you can tell, her contributions to the program will be long lasting...and her family will still be active within Ashland Athletics as she has two sisters currently competing on high school teams and a younger brother coming up the ranks.  

It is my honor to present the 2020 female student athlete of the year award to Brynn Moriarty.

This year’s male student-athlete of the year award goes to a three sport star who is graduating Ashland High School as one of the most decorated athletes of all time. His success was evident as a four year member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams, however his leadership is what stood out the most. The impact he leaves on the entire athletic program will without a doubt be felt for years to come. 

On the field he was a four-time TVL All-Star, TVL player of the year, MWDN All-Star, Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Scholastic, 5-time Captain, and shattered every Ashland record as the quarterback of the D6 State Champion football team. When asked about his many successes, he is quick to give credit to his teammates and coaches and never let the media attention he was getting get in the way of doing things the way he always does; with grit, determination, and honor. 

His coaches note the following about him:

“Words to describe him - competitor, tenacious, tough, leader. His legacy will be long lived, and will go down as one of Ashland’s best overall athletes.”

“It has been an absolute privilege to coach him for the past 4 years. Ashland high school has not seen a selfless leader come through these hallways like him in the past decade. His work ethic speaks volumes, but his empathy and integrity are what builds his character. Watching him interact with the youth after events was breathtaking. He just gets it. There is no one I’d rather be in a fox hole with; and in trying times in our country, there is no better leader to help us through than this young man. Words do not give enough justice what he has meant to the whole athletic program. THE leader amongst leaders, he will have a lifetime of success. I could not be any more proud of this young man. Simply the best!”

As you can tell, his legacy will be long lasting and he will forever be remembered as a champion on and off the field. 

It is my honor to present the 2020 male student athlete of the year award to Dominic Cavanagh. 

Congratulations to Brynn, Dominic, and the entire Class of 2020.

Stephen Marks, Athletic Director