National Football Foundation

Driven by a passion for excellence, Christopher LaTempa attacked every aspect of high school, producing a record that was universally admired by his peers and teachers at Pequannock Township High School in New Jersey. 

Ranked in the top 10 percent of a highly competitive class, LaTempa accumulated a 4.1 GPA by taking a healthy dose of AP classes. His academic laurels include the 2006 New Jersey Scholar-Athlete Award, the President's Education Award, Bloustein Distinguished Scholar and induction into the National Honor Society. 

A three-sport athlete, LaTempa distinguished himself as a four-year member of the football, wrestling and baseball programs at Pequannock. A running back and linebacker, he earned All-Conference recognition his junior and senior years while claiming a First Team All Conference spot in wrestling his senior year as well. The Morris County Chapter of the National Football Foundation named LaTempa its Matthew C. Sellitto Scholarship recipient. 

"Chris' success in football is evidence of his determination to be the best at anything he does, as well as constantly challenging himself to achieve his own personal best," said former guidance counselor Kerstin Stewart-Maiullo. 

A role model among his peers, LaTempa participated in a variety of volunteer activities at a local nursing home and with his church. He also worked as a Little League umpire and camp counselor at Lafayette College, where he is currently enrolled as a freshman. 

La Tempa graduated magna cum laude from Lafayette College in 2010 with honors in American Studies. He is entering his third year as Assistant Director of Admissions at Lafayette and is also a first-year student advisor. He is also an assistant softball coach for the Leopards.