Sallade & Kinsler to receive Scholarships
Published 4/30/2026
The Mercer County Track and Field Hall of Fame Committee has selected its scholarship winners for 2026. Laura Sallade of Wilberforce will receive the George Wah Scholarship and Julius Kinsler of West Windsor South will receive the Larry Ivan Scholarship. Both will be presented with their awards when the hall of fame holds its 3rd annual induction and awards banquet on Sunday, May 17th, at Mercer Oaks.
Laura Sallade has been a standout athlete for the Wilberforce School in track and cross country ever since her freshman year. In 2022, she was a top competitor for the school’s Mercer County Cross Country Championship Team, Non-Public B State Cross Country Championship team and the 2023 NPB Track Championship team. She also won the Meet of Champions with her 4 x 800 M team in 2023. She has competed in the Meet of Champions every year since, earning multiple school records, All-County and All- Non -Public State honors in cross country and track as an 800 M/1600 M specialist. In addition to her success on the track, Laura has competed in 4 years of basketball as an outstanding guard, serving as team captain in all 3 of her sports and earning her the school’s Sportswoman of the Year Award for 2025.
Beyond athletics, Laura has starred in the school’s spring musical every year, most recently as Miss Hannigan in Annie. She also serves as a House Leader and Student Ambassador. A dedicated student, Laura has earned multiple academic honors, including the Princeton University Book Award for 2025. Outside of school, Laura has served communities in the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Appalachia. When time permits, she enjoys baking, playing the guitar, and training her beloved dog in agility. Laura is most deserving of The George Wah Memorial Scholarship. Laura will continue her athletic and academic career at Washington and Lee in Lexington, Virginia.
Julius Kinsler is an exceptional student athlete whose accomplishments on the track and in the classroom set him apart from others. Most recently, at the Nationals in Virginia Beach, Julius broke the school record in the 400 meters, setting a new mark of 48.36, a testament to his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit. In addition to this milestone, he runs s 22.8 in the 200m, is a two-time sectional champion, an All-Colonial Valley Conference performer, and has earned All-American honors. As team captain for both the winter and spring seasons, Julius leads by example, consistently motivating his teammates through his discipline, humility, and commitment to excellence.
Julius's achievements extend well beyond athletics. He maintains an outstanding 4.2 GPA while taking a rigorous schedule filled with Advanced Placement courses, demonstrating remarkable intellectual curiosity and dedication to his education. His academic talents have been recognized through his membership in MENSA and his qualification in the Mathematical Association of America, reflecting both his analytical ability and love of learning. Equally impressive is his commitment to service, as he is an active participant in the school's Red Cross program, volunteering his time to support others in need. Julius embodies the qualities of leadership, perseverance, and community involvement that the Larry Ivan Memorial Scholarship seeks to honor.
Each year at the annual induction banquet, the Mercer County Track and Field Hall of Fame Committee presents the George Wah Memorial Scholarship, to one female, and the Larry Ivan Memorial Scholarship to one male. Both award winners must be a student-athlete at a Mercer County High School and they both must demonstrate the values of the men the scholarships are named after.
In addition to the scholarships there will be 18 inductions this year at the May 17th banquet.
Anyone wishing to attend the ceremony must RSVP by May10. SEE HERE TO RSVP
