POTTSVILLE - It's one thing to perform in the classroom, and it's another to excel in athletics.

Three outstanding Times News area senior scholar athletes shined bright over the course of their high school careers. The TN trio were part of a group of 15 seniors from Schuylkill County high schools who were acknowledged at the 32nd Annual Female Scholar Athlete Banquet at Pine View Acres in Pottsville on Sunday.Maureen Kloap of Marian ranked in the top two percent of her class. She also found a ton of success with the Fillies' on the volleyball court as a four-year starter. She was the Times News Volleyball Player of the Year this past season."It's really a great honor, said Kloap. "It was always in the back of my mind. I've been here before, and now that I'm here again as the actual Scholar Athlete is a wonderful experience. Volleyball has really helped me in life, not only athletically. I love the family atmosphere our team has, on and off the court. We're always there for each other."It was such a great atmosphere to be around. I was always the quiet person on the court. Being apart of Marian really helped me grow into a better player and person."Panther Valley's Kelsey Van Horn excelled as a four-year starter for the Panthers in volleyball and was named captain her senior season. She holds the PV school record for assists and service points. Van Horn has been involved in countless clubs and organization throughout her high school career and is ranked second in her class of 90."It's truly an honor to be here," Van Horn said. "My teammates over the past four years were great. We meshed really well and always got along and I think that is why we have been so successful. There was a lot of stress after games, studying on the bus, and a bunch of late nights."But, it's starting to hit me. I'm really going to miss all of this. Volleyball is a team sport and I'm really glad I had my team. My sister won this award two years ago and I'm kind of following in her footsteps."Representing Tamaqua was the soccer defensive specialist, Allison Amodea.Amodea was named captain her senior season and played the sweeper position. Tamaqua head coach Clem McCarroll explained that she was the last line of defense and saved an immense number of potential goals over the course of her superb career. Amodea is ranked fourth among her class of 183 and is involved in numerous clubs, which includes being the senior class president."It's really bittersweet to be leaving," Amodea said. "I started out with soccer during the summer of my freshman year. Everyone really helped me then become a student at Tamaqua, while giving me a family to be a part of. I'm going to miss my teammates and I know I made life-long friendships through playing soccer."I'm really excited and proud to be representing my school. My coaches and parents always encouraged me to never give up. I'm so thankful for all of the people who have helped me along the way."All three TN representatives plan on attending a four-year university next fall.