Paige Lauten was recently nominated for a 2023-24 Western Pennsylvania Positive High School Athlete Award. Submitted photo

Paige Lauten, a Mars Area High School freshman, was recently nominated for a 2023-24 Western Pennsylvania Positive High School Athlete Award recognizing positive student athletes and coaches who have overcome difficult circumstances.

Paige is a member of the Mars Area High School Varsity Softball Team, as well as the River City Venom travel softball team.

In November 2022, she suffered severe injuries after being struck by a car.

After nearly three months of hospitalization and treatment, she returned home in February 2023, later returning to school full-time as a freshman while continuing rehabilitation.

More details on the award can be found at www.positiveathlete.org/westernpa.