Eight members of the Mercer Island High School graduating class of 2009 were honored last week with athletic awards, focusing on nearly every sport that the school offers. The annual event presents student athletes with awards voted on by coaches throughout all three sports seasons.

This year’s scholar athletes of the year were Peter Zajac and Lindsay Chinn. Zajac helped the boys basketball team make the first round of the district tournament this season.

“Basically, I was really honored,” said Zajac. “Grades and sports were my top two priorities, so it was a good feeling to be recognized.” He spent four years as a member of the water polo team and four years on the basketball squad.

Chinn, a member of the volleyball team that took fourth in state this year, was a keystone on the girls golf team, finishing 12th individually in the 3A tournament. She spent four years playing volleyball, one on the softball team and three years as a golfer.

The honor came as a surprise to Chinn, who said she felt there were many female athletes in her class who also qualified.

“I was really surprised,” she said. “I didn’t even know I was in contention for it. It was a big shock, but I really appreciate it.”

Athletes of the year were Bryce Borer and Janelle Chow. Borer, who has played football and participated in track, won his second pole vaulting state title just weeks ago at the state championship meet. Chow was highlighted after earning starting positions during each sports season for all four years of her high school career.

The U.S. Army honored Derek Shulte and Rachel Godfred as scholar athletes of the year. Schulte was a member of both the cross country team and the soccer team, which recently finished third at state. Godfred, a longtime swimmer, helped the girls team finish third at state this season. She personally broke two school records during the state meet, bringing home the state titles in the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard medley relay team.

The Marines honored Graham Horgdal and Lauren Sadler with the Unsung Heros award, honoring students for all the work they do as members of a team.