Michelle Ritz, a senior at The Wheatley School, recently scored her 500th career point as a member of the Varsity girls basketball team. Michelle, who has been a four-year starter, reached this scoring milestone on Friday, Jan. 28 in a game against East Rockaway. She is one of the team's co-captains, plays the forward position and has earned All-Division honors for the past two years. When she ends her Wheatley basketball career at the completion of this season, Michelle will have earned a place among the leading scorers in the history of Wheatley girls basketball. To commemorate this outstanding achievement, Michelle was presented with a game ball by her coach, Brian McConaghy, prior to the start of a varsity game on Feb. 2.

Michelle has also been recognized by News 12 Long Island for her all-around achievement in scholarship, athletics, leadership and school service. She received the Citibank - News 12 Long Island Scholar-Athlete Recognition Award. Michelle will receive a $1,000 scholarship and videotape of her school and athletic activities was made for showing on a News 12 telecast. The director of sports at News 12 Long Island, Bob Wolff, started this recognition program in 1988. During each week of the school year, an outstanding Long Island student-athlete is recognized and profiled.

Last spring, Michelle became a member of the Wheatley varsity girls track team where she excelled as a discus thrower. She was the Division Champion and earned All-County honors as well. She was the Junior Olympics Region Champion, but an injury prevented her from competing in the Nationals.