Locust Valley High School senior Matt DeMaria will need extra space on the family's mantel for yet another award in a stellar high school career. The Class of 2006 valedictorian has won the Nassau County Sports Commission Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement for a male high school student.

Matt is an extremely busy young man, maintaining an A+ average while taking a full course load of International Baccalaureate classes. He is a four-sport athlete - baseball, hockey, soccer and winter track - who has excelled on all playing fields. Previous awards include the News12 Scholar Athlete, the Richard Daoust Memorial Award and the Dupont Challenge.

Matt knows that to whom much is given, much is required. He volunteers his time working with SKIP of New York, which assigns mentors to autistic children. Matt has been working with the same young man for more than three years and its rewards are evident. "Working with my little buddy has been one of the most gratifying experiences," said Matt. "It's nice to feel as though you are making a difference in someone's life."

Matt will receive his award on May 1, in the company of Shep Messing, Marv Albert, Dave Anderson, Emily Hughes, Wally Sczerbiak, Al Trautwig, Joe Gardi, Shaun Powell, Ron Feingold and Anthony Fitzgerald.