Scholars & Athletes 2019: Class B

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

February 11, 2019

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected eight student-athletes from Class B member schools to receive scholarships through the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award program.

Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 30^th year of sponsoring the award, will give $1,000 college scholarships to 32 individuals who represent their member schools in at least one sport in which the Association sponsors a postseason tournament. The first 30 scholarships are awarded proportionately by school classification and the number of student-athletes involved in those classes; also, there are two at-large honorees who can come from any classification.

Students applying for the Scholar-Athlete Award must be carrying at least a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average and have previously won a letter in a varsity sport in which the Michigan High School Athletic Association sponsors a postseason tournament. Other requirements for the applicants were to show active participation in other school and community activities and produce an essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.

Each of the scholarship recipients will be honored at a halftime ceremony during the Class C Boys Basketball Final, March 16, at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Commemorative medallions will be given to the finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.

The Class B Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Lauren Anderson, Charlotte; Chloe Bartz, Edwardsburg; Olivia Haring, Clare; Zoe Neirink, Frankenmuth; Noah Doederlein, Carleton Airport; Justin Luo, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; Pierce Morrissey, Big Rapids; and Connor Swinehart, Newaygo.

Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class B Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:

Lauren Anderson, Charlotte
Played fourth season of varsity basketball, played four of varsity volleyball and will run her fourth of track & field this spring. Earned all-league recognition in volleyball and academic all-league honors multiple seasons in all three sports plus academic all-state in basketball and volleyball. Served as captain of volleyball and basketball teams. Will graduate high school with 24 college credits and carries a 4.0 GPA. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and earned Distinguished Scholar Award from Oakland University. Participating in fourth years of marching band, symphony band and drumline and has served as the percussion section leader and lead snare in those respective groups. Volunteers in youth basketball and volleyball camps and serves as middle school track timer, and earned Junior Rotarian award. Will attend Oakland and study nursing.

Essay Quote: “High school athletics are a minefield. With the pressure of school and other commitments, we rarely have time to think outside ourselves, and that becomes a problem when one’s emotions are not taken into account. When people get stressed or anxious, we don’t perform to the best of our abilities; we lag in our skills. When we get to that point, we need someone to be there, to yank us back from that ledge, to remind us that we are not alone, to give us confidence in our ability to perform as an athlete.”

Chloe Bartz, Edwardsburg
Playing fourth season of varsity basketball, ran four of cross country and will participate in fourth of track & field this spring. Qualified for MHSAA Finals three times in track and holds school record as part of 3,200-meter relay. Helped basketball team to two league and two District titles and best finish in school history. Served as captain of all three teams and earned scholar athlete awards all four years. Serving fourth year on student council with two as vice president and participating in second year of National Honor Society with one as treasurer. Participating in third years on youth advisory council and yearbook staff – with two as editor – and fourth year as part of Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter with two as chairperson. Earned regional first place and qualified for state competition twice as part of Science Olympiad team. Will attend Loyola University Chicago and study biochemistry.

Essay Quote: “Sports are often said to reveal character, but I am of the opinion they build it. As student athletes we are reminded daily of the effort, time and passion needed to succeed on the sports field as well as in the classroom. It’s essential for sportsmanship to be practiced as much as a jump shot, for at the end of the game it won’t be a person’s last-second shot you remember in 20 years.”

Olivia Haring, Clare
Playing third season of varsity basketball, ran four of cross country and will participate in fourth of track & field this spring; also played junior varsity softball as a freshman. Qualified for MHSAA Finals in cross country all four seasons and track her first three and helped those teams to a combined seven league championships. Earned all-conference, all-region and academic all-conference and all-state honors in those two sports, and has served as captain of all three of her varsity teams. Serving fourth year on student council and as student body president, and fourth year as part of Business Professionals of America and as co-president. Qualified for state BPA competition. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and has served as treasurer. Earned Presidential Scholarship and named Junior Business Student of the Year both by Northwood and carries a 3.96 GPA while dually enrolled at Mid Michigan College. Led fundraiser that collected more than $1,000 for breast cancer awareness. Will attend Northwood University and study finance with the intention of earning a master’s in business administration.

Essay Quote: “The high stakes of competitive athletics demand excellent sportsmanship. Failure to meet such expectations can be detrimental to the athlete, team and community. Witnessing unsportsmanlike conduct prompted positive change in my hometown.”

Zoe Neirink, Frankenmuth
Ran four years of varsity cross country and will play her fourth of varsity soccer this spring. Served as captain of cross country team and qualified for MHSAA Finals in that sport all four seasons. Earned all-league recognition in both sports and all-state in soccer. Earned AP Scholar with Honor recognition and participates in National Honor Society. Competing in fourth years of quiz bowl and Science Olympiad; earned all-league honors and served as team captain for quiz bowl and medaled in regional competition and served as vice president for Science Olympiad. Playing fourth year in marching band and second as part of pit orchestra and served as marching band pit percussion section leader. Participating in volunteer and community service efforts and as part of 2019 Graduation Committee as selected by her teachers. Will attend Kenyon College in Ohio and study English, and intends to pursue a law degree.

Essay Quote: “The workload of being a student-athlete can be taxing, but things become easier when one stops regarding school and sports as two separate things. I see the same respect in my teammates cheering for all the runners in a cross country race as I do in a student helping another study for a hard test. The things that make us good students, good sports, and good people are all interwoven.”

Noah Doederlein, Carleton Airport
Ran four seasons of varsity cross country and will run his fourth of track & field; also played junior varsity basketball as a sophomore. Earned all-league and all-academic honors for cross country and helped track team to conference championship in 2018. Earned AP Scholar with Distinction. Served as a team captain of both varsity teams, taking part as well on school’s Captains Council. Serving as class president for third year and also president of National Honor Society chapter. Served on Monroe County Youth Leadership Board and Monroe County 4-H Council. Selected for the 4-H State Youth Leadership Council and 4-H Capitol Experience Steering Committee, and as part of Michigan delegation to multiple national events. Participating in fourth year of Interact club and third of Michigan Youth Leadership (MYLead), and earned multiple local awards for academics and community involvement and also a 2017 Michigan Key Club Award. Will attend Michigan State University and study political science.

Essay Quote: “The communication, teamwork, and goal-setting skills that accompany educational athletics are inherent, while hard work and dedication teach students integrity. But, when poor sportsmanship infects athletics, the lessons being taught are misconstrued. When players, parents, and coaches begin to attack, taunt, or humiliate competitors, petty differences become more important than the skills players are attempting to learn.”

Justin Luo, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, helping team to three MHSAA Finals and Regional championships and earning an individual league title playing singles. Earned all-state and all-league honors and served as team captain. Participating in fourth year of debate and earned one gold and three silver bids to national Tournament of Champions. Qualified for National Catholic Forensics League Tournament and National Speech and Debate Association Tournament, and was named top speaker at 2017 debate state championship. Playing fourth year of clarinet for school’s band, orchestra and pit orchestra and has earned a number of solo/ensemble prizes and served as concertmaster. Participating in third year of American Youth Leadership Foundation and fourth tutoring as part of school’s Horizons Upward Bound program. Serves as president of Horizons and as Peer2Peer student leader. Will attend Princeton University and study operations research and financial engineering.

Essay Quote: “When sportsmanship is not upheld, people begin to solely focus on winning and forget why we play sports. Cheating offers an easy escape for players to avoid dealing with adversity and learning a valuable lesson. Rather than have fun and build friendships, people become angry and are hurt. I have felt the pain firsthand and would not want that for anyone else. Thus, we must preserve sportsmanship in order to maintain the educational value of athletics.”

Pierce Morrissey, Big Rapids
Will play fourth year of varsity golf this spring and has served as captain every season, and also played varsity basketball as a junior and varsity tennis as a freshman. Earned all-state golf honors his first three seasons and made all-state “Super Team” the last two as one of the top golfers regardless of division. Won Lower Peninsula Division 3 Final individual championship in 2018. Serving fourth year on student council and Mecosta County Youth Advisory Council and second on MHSAA’s Student Advisory Council. Also serving fourth year on school’s Athletic Leadership Council and Climate Crew. Participating in fourth year of Project Outreach and this year as president, and was class representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter as freshman and sophomore. Participates in a number of volunteer projects including as mentor for youth golf. Will attend Michigan State University and study business.

Essay Quote: “A fundamental standard of educational athletics, sportsmanship is a code to separate the good athletes from exceptional athletes. A true "sportsman" has no room in their heart for selfish ambition. Of course, this selflessness doesn't happen in the blink of an eye. Most student-athletes would admit that their younger version of themselves had an abundance of maturing to do to become who they are today as a senior athlete.”

Connor Swinehart, Newaygo
Playing third season of varsity basketball, played three of varsity football and will play third of varsity baseball this spring. Earned all-league honors a total of five times and all-state recognition in basketball, and all-state academic honors in baseball. Served as team captain multiple seasons for all three sports. Served three years as student council president and is participating in second year of National Honor Society. Has earned all As throughout high school. Participates is a variety of sports-related and community volunteer projects including as a peer math tutor. Will attend University of Michigan and study biomedical engineering.

Essay Quote: “I knew I could finish the game, but another victory meant more for me than the actual win. Sitting in the dugout was a teammate of mine who has stuck with baseball his whole life and loves the game with all of his heart. He is a special education student with disabilities, which limits him from consistent playing time, but that does not mean he cannot throw the ball. My teammate has one of the biggest arms on the team. … I tell (my coach) I want (my teammate) to finish the game. I want him to get the victory. He deserves the victory. … These are the moments where sportsmanship is important. Putting a teammate’s needs and desires before your own.”

Other Class B girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Kamryn Cushway, Big Rapids; Salena Prakah-Asante, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; Eleri Giem, Boyne City; Daisy Ansel, Comstock; Sarah Bidgood, Comstock Park; Bridget Kohane, Grand Rapids West Catholic; Dana Wila, Grand Rapids West Catholic; Lindsey Jurecki, Grosse Ile; Robin LeFevere, Imlay City; Sophie Moccio, Milan; Emily Unger, Montague; and Mallory Kean, Yale.

Other Class B boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Sam Bussler, Battle Creek Harper Creek; Clark Doman, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; Alex Netzley, Cadillac; Adam Bruce, Gladstone; Jack Perry, Michigan Center; Michael Gormley, North Branch; Isaac Waffle, Olivet; Tommee Smith, Sparta; Cooper Clark, Stevensville Lakeshore; Dillon Mochty, Tawas; Dylan Day, Tecumseh; and Ethan McKenzie, Whitehall.

The Class C and Class D scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 5, and the Class A honorees will be announced Feb. 19.

Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan was founded in 1949 by Michigan farmers who wanted an insurance company that worked as hard as they did. Those values still guide the company today and are a big reason why it is known as Michigan’s Insurance Company, dedicated to protecting the farms, families, and businesses of this great state. Farm Bureau Insurance agents across Michigan provide a full range of insurance services—life, home, auto, farm, business, retirement, Lake Estate®, and more—protecting nearly 500,000 Michigan policyholders.

The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by more than 1,500 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract more than 1.4 million spectators each year.

Scholars & Athletes 2020: Class A

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

February 17, 2020

The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected 12 student-athletes from Class A member schools to receive scholarships through the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award program.

Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 31^st year of sponsoring the award, will give $1,000 college scholarships to 32 individuals who represent their member schools in at least one sport in which the Association sponsors a postseason tournament. The first 30 scholarships are awarded proportionately by school classification and the number of student-athletes involved in those classes; also, there are two at-large honorees who can come from any classification.

Each of the scholarship recipients will be honored at a halftime ceremony during the Division 3 Boys Basketball Final, March 28, at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Commemorative medallions will be given to the finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.

The Class A Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Ericka Asmus, Marquette; Lucy Borski, Holland West Ottawa; Morgan Cooper, Hartland; Kylie Ray, Pinckney; Elizabeth Saunders, Traverse City Central; Kayla Wolma, Hudsonville; Logan Canada, Fenton; DJ Dixon, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice; Malcolm Gaynor, Portage Northern; Tej Kothari, Jenison; Brandon Liu, Northville; and Anish Middha, Midland Dow.

Ericka Asmus, Marquette
Ran four seasons of cross country and participated in track & field as a freshman. Finished runner-up at Upper Peninsula Division 1 Cross Country Final twice and as league champion in that sport three seasons. Also is a three-time participant in Nordic skiing Junior Nationals. Served as team captain in cross country and earned academic all-state three years. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and school’s environmental club, serving as co-president of the environmental club for the second year. Spoke on environmental issues at Lake Superior Youth Symposium and Northern Michigan University Climate Strike. Also participates in math club and volunteered two years on local farm. Finalizing her college plans but intends to study materials engineering.

Essay Quote: “Far too often, not just in sports but in life, I see people forgetting the things they have in common with their ‘enemy.’ I’ve heard coaches yell ‘The Marquette girl looks terrible; you can pass her,’ degrading me to lift their runners up. I have learned from my running coach that competing is only worth it when I see my opponents as fellow humans, rather than people to defeat.”

Lucy Borski, Holland West Ottawa
Playing third season of varsity basketball, played three of varsity golf and will play her fourth of varsity soccer this spring. Earned all-area honors in soccer and golf and was part of academic all-state team honors in all three sports. Captained both golf and basketball teams and serves as member of Student Athlete Leadership Council. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and fourth as part of school’s LINKS mentorship program. Participated three years in Young Life. Serving as coach for youth basketball and soccer and First Tee golf school chapter, and also officiates youth hoops and served two years as site supervisor for Holland Charter Township baseball park. Serving as fundraiser and co-host for school’s “Senior Survivor” program that raises money for students in need. Finalizing her college plans but intends to study biology.

Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship during games is important, but it is more important off the field or the court. … Sometimes while watching/playing sports the only thing that matters at that moment is whether you win or lose. However, it comes down to being just a game.”

Morgan Cooper, Hartland
Participating in fourth season of competitive cheer and also has participated in four of sideline cheer. Will play third season of varsity lacrosse this spring. Earned all-league and all-region honors in competitive cheer and served as captain of both cheer teams. Helped competitive cheer team to MHSAA Finals in 2019 and lacrosse team to three Regional championships including after joining varsity for postseason as freshman. Earned academic all-state recognition every year of high school and served as part of student leadership group and representative to Kensington Lakes Activities Association Leadership Summit. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and second of student council. Also participated on school Honor Guard for 2019 graduation ceremony and this school year and is part of promotion team for school’s Special Olympics Project Unified program. Previously participated in 4-H, earning awards in animal showmanship, writing and photography, and earned a Bronze Award in Girls Scouts. Will attend University of Michigan and study biochemistry in pursuit of a career in oncology.

Essay Quote: “The concepts of being a good sportsman apply on and off the field, during practices, and ultimately in everyday life. Whether you are the best on the field, or the most energetic on the bench, each person plays a critical role in team success.”

Kylie Ray, Pinckney
Played three seasons of varsity volleyball and will participate in fourth of track & field this spring. Earned all-region recognition in both sports and qualified for MHSAA Finals in track as a junior. Helped track team to league championship. Earned individual and was part of team academic all-state honors. Served as captain of both teams and selected to attend Southeastern Conference Leadership Conference. Competed at 2017 indoor national meet as part of distance medley relay. Participating in fourth year of class council and this year as treasurer. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and first as part of Link Crew that assists freshmen in transition to high school; previously served on school improvement team. Earned awards as part of duet and full orchestra at state solo and ensemble competitions. Teaching third year of religious education classes. Will attend University of Findlay and study physical therapy.

Essay Quote: “In any competition, there will be a winner and a loser, but the true value is that everyone (is) doing their best, learning through the process, and supporting each other. Regardless of the sport, good teammates are the ones who work hard to help others succeed. They help other athletes reach their goals while striving to reach their own goals.”

Elizabeth Saunders, Traverse City Central
Competing in fourth season of Alpine skiing and is a three-year varsity rower; also played freshman volleyball. Earned all-state in skiing and has helped team to three top-three MHSAA Finals finishes; also raced as part of winning Michigan team in Eastern Championship. Competed in rowing junior nationals and won USRowing National Regatta inclusive double championship with partner who is blind. Served as captain of rowing club and freshman volleyball team. Won national Congressional App Challenge and Northwestern Michigan Engineering Fair for development of CalcuSaver app, and created her own startup company for app development and tech repair. Founded and serves as president of TechGirls group that helps women and minorities pursue STEM education. Participating in second year with school’s Key Club and as president of school’s SciMaTech accelerated STEM program student council. Participating in fourth year of Model United Nations. Worked with local township and regional land conservancy to create monarch butterfly habitat. Will attend Stanford University and study computer science and business.

Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship reflects the fair(ness) and generosity among competitors in a sport. … Because of equal opportunity, students and athletes are able to pursue their interests and passions.”

Kayla Wolma, Hudsonville
Played varsity golf, subvarsity basketball and will play her fourth season of varsity tennis this spring. Earned all-league honors in tennis and played at MHSAA Finals as a junior. Will serve as tennis team captain this upcoming season. Participating in second year of National Honor Society, and selected and participated in three-week geology field study at various national parks as part of Summer Science Institute. Earned $5,000 UGive grand prize and helped raise more than $10,000 total for Wes Leonard Foundation for purchase of AEDs for schools. Participated in mission work in Flint and Detroit. Serves as Sunday School leader and volunteer youth tennis instructor. Will attend Hope College and study business with a minor in exercise science through Hope's professional tennis management program.

Essay Quote: “My goal is to be like Wes Leonard: I want to be that person who brings teams together, who is polite on the court, and is someone who doesn't cheat or thrive on shortcuts. To be a winner on the court is rewarding, but what truly defines a person is living a life full of integrity and selflessness.”

Logan Canada, Fenton
Ran three seasons of cross country and will participate in third season of track & field this spring. Ran at MHSAA Cross Country Finals and earned all-region and all-league honors; also earned academic all-state twice in that sport. Served two seasons as cross country captain and will serve second as track captain this upcoming season. Received AP Scholar with Distinction and took math classes at University of Michigan as part of non-degree dual enrollment. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and chaired chapter’s local Freedom Festival event. Earned championship in Flint Metro League math/science competition. Founded Fenton Conservative American Student Association and participated in state representative election campaign. Serving as CEO of student-directed clothing company. Serves as soccer official and has refereed Michigan State Cup and received invitations to officiate in Midwest Regional League and National Premier League. Finalizing college plans but intends to study biomedical or chemical engineering.

Essay Quote: “Life is one convoluted competition; hence, just like any competition, demonstrating sportsmanship makes it more fun, more learning-intensive, more malleable. Indisputably, sportsmanship is an essential characteristic that high school athletes learn, apply, and develop through high school athletics.”

DJ Dixon, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice
Playing second season of varsity hockey and will play fourth of varsity lacrosse in the spring. Helped lacrosse team to two MHSAA Finals championships and hockey team to Semifinals appearance. Earned all-state in both sports and serving as hockey captain this winter. Serving as student body vice president and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Serving also as Brother Rice Band of Brothers captain and selected by faculty as student leader for Kairos student retreat program. Volunteering for fourth year with Southeast Oakland Shelter, recruiting other student volunteers and organizing athletic activities for homeless children, and Angel’s Place assisting residents with developmental disabilities. Finalizing what he will pursue academically, but will attend Wesleyan University in Connecticut.

Essay Quote: “That night, both teams displayed nothing but respect for each other. Despite our different backgrounds and levels of experience with sport, we were all just high school athletes that wanted to enjoy a meal together. Phone numbers were exchanged, pictures were shared, and a real sense of comradery was felt. I think that’s what sportsmanship is all about — bringing communities together.”

Malcolm Gaynor, Portage Northern
Played two seasons of varsity soccer, two seasons of subvarsity basketball and will play his third season of varsity baseball this spring. Earned all-state in baseball and helped team to last season’s Division 1 championship while also serving as a captain. Named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Earned various honors for student journalism as part of his school student news website, including an all-state honorable mention for column writing, serving previously as sports editor and currently as editor-in-chief. Volunteering as youth baseball trainer and for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Previously volunteered as Link Crew and YWCA children’s mentor and for a U.S. Senate election campaign. Finalizing his course of study but will attend Kenyon College in Ohio.

Essay Quote: “I had always been a hard worker and an individually driven person, but I now know these traits aren't what set apart championship teams. Championship teams have a culture where good sportsmanship is expected. We don’t wallow in our mistakes. We support and encourage, elevating each other to bounce back and work even harder when faced with challenges.”

Tej Kothari, Jenison
Playing fourth season of varsity hockey and played two seasons of varsity tennis. Also played junior varsity soccer and golf. Served as tennis team captain this past fall. Earned AP Scholar designation and a Congressional Award Bronze Medal. Participating in third year of student council, and as vice president, and second year of National Honor Society and on his chapter’s executive board. Participating in third year of DECA and is a past state finalist. Serving fourth year as board member for Jenison Equity Task Force. Volunteering for West Michigan Special Hockey Association, Grand Rapids Junior Sled Wings, and founded and organized annual crayon drive for Women at Risk International. Will attend University of Michigan and major in pre-medical studies.

Essay Quote: “As a younger athlete, sports were all about winning and losing. I was always a good teammate, but I never thought about being a good opponent. It wasn’t until high school that I began to see through the wins and the losses to a bigger picture. … As I am wrapping up my high school athletic career, I now recognize that winning is not the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is inclusivity, working toward a common goal while respecting the sport, your fellow athlete, and yourself.”

Brandon Liu, Northville
Competing in fourth season of wrestling, ran four of cross country and will participate in third varsity season of track & field this spring. Also participated in subvarsity soccer and is in third season of varsity rowing. Competed in MHSAA Finals in cross country and track and earned all-state in latter; also qualified for Regionals in wrestling and rowing state competition. Earned academic all-state in cross country and track. Serving second season as wrestling captain and previously served on school’s Mustang Leadership Council. Earned AP Scholar with Distinction award. Serving fourth year as historian of Wayne County Youth Council and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Qualified for state and national competitions as part of DECA and HOSA Future Health Professionals teams. Earned medals in international Wushu Chinese martial arts competitions and instructs locally. Playing third year as part of Michigan Philharmonics Youth Orchestra and is first chair for viola. Received multiple President’s Volunteer Service Awards and Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award. Finalizing post-graduation plans but has received appointments to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.

Essay Quote: “To me, sportsmanship is being respectful – no matter win or lose. I strive to exemplify proper sportsmanship despite the outcome. I try to always talk with my opponent about his season. Consequently, I have made friends from all types of teams.”

Anish Middha, Midland Dow
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, earning all-state all four seasons and helping team to MHSAA Finals championship as a freshman and runner-up finish as a sophomore. Served as team captain last two seasons. Earned AP Scholar with Distinction award and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Serving fourth year on Midland County Youth Action Council and as president, and has managed distribution of more than $100,000 in grants. Served as logistics chair for two years for Midland County Youth Leadership program. Participating in fourth year of DECA and served two years as club president; earned state championship in automotive services marketing and ranked among top 15 percent internationally. Earned Paderewski national gold medal for piano and is four-time state Student Achievement Testing competition semifinalist. Co-founded school safety initiative that integrates bulletproof panels with door-locking mechanisms. Will attend University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and study finance and economics.

Essay Quote: “Though initially difficult, I’ve developed a drastically different attitude towards athletics. In lieu of self-criticism during matches, I’ve exhibited fortitude and value of my competitors’ abilities. A simple “Nice shot!” can go a long way in a system that often glorifies wins over efforts.”

Other Class A girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Alexandra Montgomery, Ann Arbor Huron; Lydia Valtadoros, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Lara Janosz, Bloomfield Hills; Madelyn Crandell, Byron Center; Brenna Bailey, Haslett; Kaitlyn Stid, Holland; Mónica Ruiz, Holly; Eliza Alushi, Livonia Stevenson; Sasha Konovalenko, Midland Dow; Maddie Sermak, Okemos; Anusha Tekumulla, Port Huron Northern; Jayne Flynn, Richland Gull Lake; Grace Foster, Richland Gull Lake; Raegan McNamara, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek; Rachel Gamm, Rockford; Erin Middleton, St. Johns; Shaelie McClain, Troy Athens; and Lauren Tarnowsky, Waterford Mott.

Other Class A boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Vaughn Hajra, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Owen Rennich, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Skyler Sebring, Battle Creek Lakeview; Vikram Strander, Battle Creek Lakeview; Jack Spamer, Brighton; Nate Sesti, Clarkston; Caleb White, Detroit Catholic Central; Luke Sayler, Dexter; George Graham, Grosse Pointe North; Nathaniel Holcomb, Haslett; Jonah Gilmore, Holland; Shadrach Cunningham, Lansing Waverly; Sean Anderson, Midland Dow; Saketh Kamaraju, Midland Dow; Ben Boss, Saginaw Heritage; Peter Apostol, St. Johns; Davis DiGiovanni, Troy Athens; and Ethan Price, Warren Cousino.

The Class C and D scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 4, and the Class B honorees were announced Feb. 11.

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