Since its inception in 1984 the WOBM Christmas Classic has awarded scholarships to those that have played in the tournament not for their scoring ability but rather for their performance in the classroom.  Each team is encouraged to nominate their top graduating senior and the selection process takes place in November of their freshman year as they must be a full-time college student.
The program has ramped up in recent years thanks to the support of Community Medical Center in Toms River.  As part of their commitment to the community the hospital (part of RWJBarnabas Health) has provided eight $500 awards to help with second semester expenses.  The 2024 award recipients are:
GIRLS
Shannon Briles                 Toms River East/Ohio State University
Gabriela Londono            Central Regional/University of Scranton
Megan Sias                      Toms River North/Stonehill University
Meaghan Weatherstone    Toms River South/Penn State University
 
BOYS
Owen Baker                     Toms River North/Villanova University
Miles Chevalier                Central Regional/Stockton University
Jackson Markovitch         Toms River East/University of Delaware
Brian Vecchio                  Red Bank Catholic/Providence College
The honorees will receive their awards from Community Medical Center officials during halftime of bracket finals on December 30 at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena.  With this latest group of recipients the WOBM Christmas Classic has awarded more than $105.000 to deserving student-athletes.
Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

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