April 17, 2024
East Ridge High School Senior Nicholas Aquilino: A True Student-Athlete
By Kyle Coppola
East Ridge High School Senior Nicholas Aquilino: A True Student-Athlete
East Ridge High School in Lake County has a standout senior who’s not just a state champion on the soccer field but also a top scholar in the classroom. Nicholas Aquilino is not your typical student-athlete; he’s a shining example of dedication and excellence.
With a remarkable 5.3 GPA, Nicholas is not only excelling academically but is also in the running for Valedictorian for the class of 2024. His academic prowess has earned him a spot at University of Florida, where he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.
(Nicholas will forever be remembered as a State Champion. He was part of the 2023 East Ridge High Boys Soccer Team that won the Class 7A State Championship last year.)
Nicholas’s achievements extend beyond academics. As the goalkeeper for East Ridge’s varsity boys soccer team, he played a pivotal role in securing a state soccer title during last year’s Class 7A FHSAA Boys Soccer Tournament. His skills on the field reflect his determination and commitment to excellence.
Seeking new challenges, Nicholas decided to join the boys lacrosse team during his senior year. Embracing the opportunity to learn a new sport, he showed the same dedication and passion that he brings to everything he does.
(Nicholas tried boys lacrosse this season for East Ridge High. He’s always willing to learn and try new things.)
Aside from sports, Nicholas is deeply involved in various activities within the school community. He serves as the Senior Class Treasurer, a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and a member of the esteemed National Honor Society (NHS). His leadership qualities and positive attitude make him a role model for his peers.
Nicholas’s journey at East Ridge High School is a testament to his strong work ethic, resilience, and character. His achievements, both on and off the field, make him one of the brightest students in Lake County and a true asset to the school.
(Nicholas second from the left has a 5.3 GPA. He will be attending the University of Florida for Mechanical Engineering.)
As Nicholas prepares for graduation and transitions to the University of Florida, we celebrate his accomplishments and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors. His family, friends, and coaches are undoubtedly proud of his achievements and the remarkable person he has become.
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
