The American Dairy Association North East has named Livingston High School’s Jessica Oji as this year’s Girls’ Field Athlete of the Year in the inaugural “Refuel with Chocolate Milk Athlete of theYear” program.
Oji was one of six outstanding high school track and field athletes across three different categories – sprinters, distance runners and field athletes – to be recognized as “Refuel with Chocolate Milk Athlete of the Year” for their dedication and performance during the 2024-25 indoor season at the Armory Track in New York City.
Oji, one of the nation’s top shot put athletes, secured first place at both theArmory Hispanic Games and Nike Indoor Nationals. She also earned a runner-up finish at the Dr. Sander Scorcher event, 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.
The “Refuel with Chocolate MilkAthlete of the Year” awards are one of several ways the American Dairy Association North East and dairy farmers partner with the Armory to support student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
“As dairy farmers, we (Continued on Page A-6) (Continued from Page A-1) take great pride in providing nutritious products that help fuel the ambitions and achievements of young athletes,” said dairy farmer and American DairyAssociation North East board president Audrey Donahoe, whose family operates Atrass Farm in Clayville, New York. “Chocolate milk, in particular, plays a crucial role in their recovery and performance.”
Jessica Oji
Through their partnership with the Armory, dairy farmers, represented by the American DairyAssociation North East, highlight the benefits of chocolate milk as the ultimate post-exercise recovery beverage. Backed by science, chocolate milk delivers an optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein – approximately three to four grams of carbohydrates for every gram of protein – to help rehydrate the body, repair muscles, and replenish energy following intense physical activity.
“All of us here at the Armory are so delighted to share the wonderful product of chocolate milk as an ideal refuel and recovery beverage, produced by our local dairy farmers, with all of our athletes,” said Rita Finkel, co-president of the Armory.
In addition to the “Refuel with Chocolate Milk Athlete of the Year” awards, the American Dairy Association North East served as the presenting sponsor of the “Refuel with Chocolate Milk Officials Hall of Fame Invitational” in January.
