NEW YORK, N.Y. (April 29, 2025) –American Dairy Association North East has announced the “Refuel with Chocolate Milk” Athletes of the Year. Six standout student-athletes were nominated for their exceptional performances at The Armory in New York City and other premier meets across the region during the 2024-2025 indoor track and field season. Final honorees are:

  • Girls’ Sprinter of the Year: Elise Cooper | McDonogh School | Owing Mills, Md.
  • Boys’ Sprinter of the Year: Wyatt Gravier | Bronxville High School | Bronxville, N.Y.
  • Girls’ Distance Runner of the Year: Adriana Pettinelli | Scarsdale High School | Scarsdale, N.Y.
  • Boys’ Distance Runner of the Year: Tsedeke Jakovics | Old Mill High School | Glen Burnie, Md.
  • Girls’ Field Athlete of the Year: Jessica Oji | Livingston High School | Livingston, N.J.
  • Boys’ Field Athlete of the Year: Joachim Johnson | Episcopal Academy | Newtown Square, Pa.

The “Refuel with Chocolate Milk Athlete of the Year” awards are one example of how dairy farmers, represented by American Dairy Association North East, partner with The Armory to support student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence. The partnership also highlights chocolate milk as a science-backed recovery beverage, thanks to its ideal ratio of carbohydrates to protein (approximately 3 to 4 grams of carbs per gram of protein), which helps rehydrate the body, repair muscles, and replenish energy after intense activity.

“As dairy farmers, we take great pride in providing nutritious products that help fuel the ambitions and achievements of young athletes,” said dairy farmer and American Dairy Association North East Board President Audrey Donahoe, whose family operates ATRASS Farm in Clayville, N.Y. “Chocolate milk, in particular, plays a crucial role in their recovery and performance.”

“Everyone here at The Armory is delighted to team up with local dairy farmers and share the wonderful product of chocolate milk as a delicious and effective refuel and recovery beverage for all of our athletes,” said Rita Finkel, Co-President of The Armory.

In addition to honoring this year’s “Refuel with Chocolate Milk Athlete of the Year” winners, American Dairy Association North East served as the presenting sponsor of the Refuel with Chocolate Milk Officials Hall of Fame Invitational in January. Through its ongoing partnership with The Armory — which hosts over 220,000 athletes annually — the association engages athletes through on-site branding, signage, chocolate milk sampling, and as a sponsor of the Refuel Zone, where athletes and spectators alike can purchase chocolate milk to recharge after competition or simply enjoy a nutritious refreshment.

ABOUT THE ATHLETES

Elise Cooper | McDonogh School | Owing Mills, Md.

Among Cooper’s notable accomplishments this season at The Armory were a first-place finish in the 400-meter dash and the third-fastest time in the 55-meter dash at The Armory Hispanic Games. Cooper, a University of Texas commit who finished the indoor season ranked first in the country in the 200-meter and 300-meter, was recently named The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro Girls Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

Wyatt Gravier | Bronxville High School | Bronxville, N.Y.

Gravier was a standout at The Armory this season with eight first-place finishes in the 55-meter hurdles, including a win at the U.S. Marine Corps Holiday Classic. Gravier, who committed to the University of Connecticut, also won both the 55-meter hurdles and high jump at the Section 1 League Championships and Westchester County Champs.

Adriana Pettinelli | Scarsdale High School | Scarsdale, N.Y.

Rising star Pettinelli finished her season at The Armory with 11 individual first-place finishes across six events ranging from 600-meters to 3,000-meters – including the Millrose Trials. Pettinelli, who is one of the fastest freshmen in the country, went on to set a personal record in the mile at the Millrose Games with a time of 4:50.69. She was also a member of three relay winning teams, including running anchor for the Sprint Medley Relay 1600-meter at the Refuel with Chocolate Milk Officials Hall of Fame Invitational.

Tsedeke Jakovics | Old Mill High School | Glen Burnie, Md.

Jakovics earned a first-place finish in the one-mile race at The Armory and a runner-up finish in the 1,500-meters at The Armory Hispanic Games. His performances highlighted a strong season in distance events.

Jessica Oji | Livingston High School | Livingston, N.J.

Oji, one of the nation’s top shot put athletes, secured first place at both The Armory Hispanic Games and Nike Indoor Nationals. She also earned a runner-up finish at the Dr. Sander Scorcher, where she was the only high school competitor in the field. Oji, who committed to attend the University of Pennsylvania, was undefeated in high school competition this season and finished with the top shot put mark – over six feet ahead of her peers.

Joachim Johnson | Episcopal Academy | Newtown Square, Pa.

Johnson’s notable achievements this season included an undefeated record in both the high jump and triple jump leading up to New Balance Nationals Indoors. He was also a Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association (PTFCA) Indoor State champion in both events.