Olivia Boyler and Nicole Cruz, both of South River, were among a select few youngsters to be named 2006 Pop Warner All-American Scholars. This year, several scholar-athletes have been selected as recipients of this prestigious award and will recognized at the 46th annual Scholar All-American Banquet that takes place on May 27 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla.

Each year, the most academically accomplished Pop Warner kids compete for Academic All-American status. This process begins at the association level and up through each of the eight Pop Warner regions to the national level. In 2004, approximately 380,000 kids participated in Pop Warner.

The PWLS All-American Program requires a minimum 96 percent grade-point average to apply for All-American status. After the applications have been processed, Pop Warner determines National First Team All-Americans (35 football, 25 cheer per grade), National Second Team All-Americans and National Honorable Mention Scholars.

A final score is calculated for each student that consists of up to 100 points (85 percent) for the student's grades for the prior school year, along with up to 18 points (15 percent) awarded for the attached addendum sheet of activities and achievements.

Once the scores have been calculated, First Team All-Americans are selected. The top 35 football players and 25 cheerleaders per grade (plus ties) are selected as National First Team All-Americans.

Students need to meet the following criteria in order to be considered for the Scholar All-American Program:

+ currently be in fifth grade or higher for the Pop Warner Season

+ have a 96 percent Grade Point Average (GPA) from your previous school year's report card.

+ have a Complete Full-Year's Report Card from your previous school year to prove eligibility.

A First Team All-American is one of the top 35 football players or top 25 cheerleaders for his/her grade nationwide. A Second Team All-American consists of those scholars who are above an annually increasing final score (GPA plus addendum), ranging last year from about 97.5-101.5.