Student's 'Genius' Honored by Township

A Hillsborough High School senior was honored by the Township Committee on Tuesday for receiving the Joetta Clark Diggs Genius Award.

David Pulsifer received the award at the 7th Annual Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Extravaganza held in September at the Bridgewater Marriott.

Diggs herself, a Hillsborough resident and a U.S. Olympic track star, was at the Township Committee meeting when Pulsifer was given a proclamation by Mayor Carl Suraci and the Township Committee.

Pulsifer was one of four high school students selected to receive the Genius Award.

He was honored for his outstanding academic average (a 102.7 weighted GPA at the high school) and his participation on the school’s cross country and track teams.

In addition, Pulsifer volunteers for the Extended School Year Program at the high school where he helps special needs children with their education during the summer months. He is also treasurer of the National Honor Society, where he serves as treasurer.

The Sports Extravaganza helps fund the Joetta Clark Diggs Foundation’s activities, which promote involvement in physical activities for girls and boys ages 5 through 12.

Diggs is a four-time Olympian and had been considered America’s premier female middle distance runner for more than three decades. A graduate of Columbia High School in Maplewood and the University of Tennessee, Diggs is seen by track enthusiasts as the most prolific 800-meter runner of all time.

Some of the athletes in attendance at the Sports Extravaganza included 1996 400-meter Olympic gold medalist Derrick Adkins, 1984 welterweight Olympic gold medalist Mark Breland, former New York Jets running back Bruce Harper, former Negro League pitcher Pedro Sierra, 1964 Olympic bronze medalist Edwin Roberts, and former 55-meter hurdles world record holder Candy Young.