And the 2016 BOTF Winner is ...
February 18, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Cooper Kirby has a lot of people he’ll be thanking today.
First, he’ll celebrate with his classmates, numbering more than 1,600 strong. Then he’ll text Traverse City West’s 2007-08 student senate governor, Chase O’Black, who started the “Bleacher Creatures” cheering section nearly a decade ago.
Then Kirby will call the governors from his first three years at West and thank them for inspiring the current Creatures to carry on the legacy he and the rest of the senior class will soon leave for those who will next take their turns running the show.
And he can’t think of a better way to go out than as part of a Battle of the Fans champion.
“Our school, the students who go to these games, are just so passionate. We invest so much time because we love it,” said Kirby, this school year’s senate governor and a leader of the Creatures.
“It’s just a long history of people who just like me loved our school. People who were so invested in the Bleacher Creatures. It’s says so much this year about what set us apart, but also about years past and every student who’s ever gone to one of our games and been passionate about what we do.”
The Bleacher Creatures will accept its MHSAA championship banner during the 6 p.m. Class B Boys Basketball Semifinal on March 25 at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center. The other four finalists also will be invited to Breslin to receive rewards for this season’s achievement.
Traverse City West was chosen based on a vote by the MHSAA’s 16-member Student Advisory Council influenced by public vote on the MHSAA’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites. A total of 18,424 social media votes were received, with those results then equated against a school’s enrollment.
The Council based its vote on the following criteria: positive sportsmanship, student body participation, school spirit, originality of cheers, organization of the group, section leadership and overall fun.
Munising received the majority of public social media support, finishing among the top three in three of four ways votes were accepted (Facebook likes and shares, Twitter re-tweets and Instagram likes) – despite being the smallest school among our finalists. Votes were then scaled to take into account a school’s size – although Traverse City West received the most social media votes total, Munising’s when compared to its student enrollment pushed the Mustangs to the top of the list.
Other numbers to consider from this season's contest: The application videos have been watched nearly 23,000 times, and the MHSAA-produced videos from our tour stops have more than 5,500 views. The stories on the five finalists plus Tuesday’s explanation of how to vote had been viewed 9,353 times as of 8:30 this morning. The five Snapchat stories covering our visits were viewed nearly 10,000 times combined.
It’s a little tough to believe the Battle of the Fans contest is finishing its fifth year, but our second-most applications shows it’s as popular as ever – and we thank all of our student sections for their work. We continue to learn from each other, and here’s what we’ll remember most about each of our finalists:
Dazzling Debut Award: Charlotte
What we saw: The Orioles already play in one of the neatest gyms around – one of few domes we know of in the entire state. Now they’ve got a passionate student section backing them up. Surveying school-wide for the name “Flight Club” was a great start, and the section has only continued to rise. In addition to plenty of creative material – including a jack-in-the-box featuring the Orioles’ mascot – the halftime drum line performance was one of the highlights of this year’s BOTF. The Flight Club also provided the best national anthem of the tour, with the student section carrying the song A cappella to lead the rest of the crowd both poignant and impressive. That this school’s support went from a group of maybe 20 students at games only a year ago to a few hundred regulars now is a testament that it can be done quickly even at a medium-sized school with more classmates to rally.
Why we’re fans: Did we mention the drum line? And the anthem? But really, what made Charlotte a contender had as much to do with leg work as it did with the finished product on display during games. Reminiscent of 2015 champion Dowagiac, the Flight Club idea was planted by a passionate teacher who in this case also was an alum. But it didn’t take long for spirit to grow throughout the student body – and the community as a whole. We believe the Flight Club is here to stay, and we’re glad for it.
Be the Example Award: Munising
What we saw: With only 200 students in the high school, it was surprising to see a full set of student stands filled, plus a pep band, plus a Homecoming court and cheerleaders making up an entire corner of a gym otherwise packed. It wasn’t a surprise to those who live in a town small in number but huge in support of its school and athletes. “Stang Nation” started bringing the noise during the junior varsity boys game and rarely let up over the next three hours – proving size of the school matters much less when creating atmosphere than the ability to get the energy up and keep it high. Stang Nation didn’t have much pre-planned material – 100+ students just cheered non-stop and supported their team from start to finish. And it was arguably the best decorated gym we’ve seen during five Battle of the Fans finalists tours, with awesome Homecoming-inspired banners backing up both baselines to go with the usual regalia covering the walls.
Why we’re fans: We left Munising with a lasting feeling that if every school had a student section like Stang Nation, we couldn’t be happier. Mixing in the band, cheerleaders, Superior Central’s student fans for a “U.P. Power chant” … all of it made it clear why home games are the place to be on winter nights. And we could only imagine how fun it must be for athletes to return to town for parades thrown now any time a team wins at least a District title – and how much fun it must be to be part of welcoming the latest champion home.
Pound-for-Pound Award: Muskegon Western Michigan Christian
What we saw: It’s more what we heard. "Pound" describes the powerful sound the section made; pound-for-pound also describes how the “Green Machine” brought it at a level comparable to much bigger schools. From the boys basketball team’s entrance to the gym through a faux ice brick wall, through a cheer where everyone pounded the floor in unison with a series of standing arm-in-arm jumps (watch the video below to see what we mean), the Machine pumped the volume. From start to finish, Warriors fans provided plenty of support for the team on the floor with cheers, signs, a band, a tunnel including the entire student body, and much more.
Why we’re fans: The Green Machine is a new section too, debuting just this fall, but followed a process we’ll promote for years to come. “Mechanics” got their start at an MHSAA Sportsmanship Summit, set attainable goals like making Friday night games all-school parties, got the entire student body involved starting with a vote to name the section, and then watched their work pull an already tight-knit student body even closer. Leaders drawn from every class means this is only just the start.
Fill the Stands Award: Yale
What we saw: Yale’s student section, this year named Kohler’s Kids (the latest rendition in honor of the boys basketball coach), has become a power in this contest. Just like our first visit to the school in 2015, Yale loaded a full quarter of its gym with students, and the sound once again was palpable. Yale feels like it has a Class B title contender in its boys basketball team, and the “Kids” feel like a catalyst to that success and do their part by showing up to support en masse. Yale also strikes the right balance of being immersed in the game, with brief side shows only to fill in breaks in play.
Why we’re fans: The point of Battle of the Fans is to show student sections they can have a blast while cheering in a fun, positive way. That’s Yale. Kohler’s Kids don’t just pretend to care about sportsmanship, they live it – and with the attitude that going negative and engaging in verbal melees with opposing sections just isn’t necessary, much less fun. They just don’t care to be like that – the Kids realize there’s a better way. It’s an attitude we admire, and a message that continues to make Yale a great ambassador for student sections statewide.
Battle of the Fans champion: Traverse City West
What we saw: Total involvement from opening tip to final buzzer. From the “Creatures of the Week” on couches in the front row to those holding down the back of the section 20 rows up, everyone was moving and yelling and happy to be there. A band of leaders, the “Bucket Brigade,” kept the group together – something incredibly difficult at a school any size, much less one with a section of 400 students representing all four grades, different social groups, etc. But this is a way of life at Traverse City West, and it’s easy to see why. It’s been hard to not spontaneously throw out an “O-E-O-E-O, TC West” every once in a while. And the whole “We are the Creatures” chant with the drum line is pure pandemonium – in a good way.
Why we’re fans: We learned about the Creatures during our first BOTF trip to the school in 2014 and admired then a leadership structure that makes student spirit part of school government. West’s student senate runs the show, and this year’s leaders are as passionate about their school as any we’ve come across in five years of visits. But something like what we saw from the Creatures doesn’t happen unless there’s buy-in from all over the student body, and that’s what a student section is all about. And we can’t say enough about how West cheers for its teams – during game play, the focus is entirely on the game; during halftime, we were treated to a surprise dance line/Harlem Shake by the older guys manning the front row, who had been coached by another senate member. The crowd went wild.
“This culture isn’t just student sections. It just makes classrooms better, makes friendships stronger, makes groups that aren’t initially related identify with just one identity, which is awesome to see,” Kirby said. “Kids are coming together to scream our heads off – but it’s enabled us to do so much with our community as well. It’s amazing what people can do when they come together and be passionate about something bigger than themselves.”
It’s fair to say we’ve never encountered leaders so in love with their school and enthusiastic about student life. At its most fundamental, that’s what student cheering sections are supposed to be about. We’re glad to celebrate Traverse City West showing the state how enthusiasm plays out with fun every time the Creatures get together – and in this case, paid off with a Battle of the Fans championship.
Battle of the Fans IV is sponsored in part by Milk Means More.
Check out below our stories and videos behind the finalists. Also, click to see student-produced videos from all sections that entered the contest. (Photos courtesy of Rick Sack.)
Charlotte
Read all about it: Charlotte 'Flight Club' Shows It Can Soar
Munising
Read all about it: 'Stang Nation' Continues Tradition Of Support
Muskegon Western Michigan Christian
Read all about it: 'Green Machine' Gears Up For BOTF V
Traverse City West
Read all about it: 'Creatures' Remain Way Of Life At TC West
Yale
Read all about it: 'Reloaded' Yale Section Brings Noise Again
2025 Scholar-Athlete Award Recipients Announced in Class A
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 18, 2025
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected 13 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 36th year of sponsoring the award, will give $2,000 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.
The 32 scholarship recipients will be recognized March 15 during the MHSAA Boys Basketball Finals at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing.
The Class A Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are Madeline Day, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; Nadine Fayad, Dearborn; Ella Gifford, Birmingham Seaholm; Grace Johnson-Sears, Birmingham Seaholm; Chikanma Okoisor, Midland Dow; Sophia Tang, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; Noah Kaplan, Bloomfield Hills; Asher Langwell, Bloomfield Hills; Nick Leiter, Detroit Catholic Central; Nimai Patel, Midland Dow; Brady Scheidt, West Bloomfield; Sean Wesolek, Bay City John Glenn; and Gruhith Yerramalli, Grosse Pointe North.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class A Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Madeline Day, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
Played two seasons of varsity volleyball, playing fourth of varsity basketball and will play third of varsity tennis this spring. Earned all-region in volleyball and all-league in basketball, and was part of Tennis Finals doubles flight champion as junior and team champion as sophomore. Served or will serve as captain of all three teams. Named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and AP Scholar with Distinction. Serving as veteran leader of school’s Athletic Leadership Academy and second years as president of school’s Business and Gold Key clubs. Co-founded and serves as president of school’s Global Outreach Club and serving on senior advisory board in second year participating in Generation of Promise social justice youth program. Participated in service efforts locally and in Thailand. Will attend Harvard College and study computer science and sociology.
Essay Quote: “For me, basketball has become a reflection of life’s complexities. Success on the court does not always mean scoring the most points; it’s about adapting to challenges, communicating effectively, and responding to unfolding situations with resilience. … Good sportsmanship, rooted in respect, empathy, and compassion, has become a guiding principle for me – offering a model for navigating both the court and the world beyond.”
Nadine Fayad, Dearborn
Played four seasons of varsity golf and will play her third of varsity soccer this spring, and also played junior varsity basketball as a freshman. Earned all-academic recognition in soccer and helped team to District championship. Served as golf team captain the last two seasons. Serving fourth year in student government and second year on principal’s student advisory council, and participating in second year of National Honors Society. Raised funds as part of student government, Amity Foundation and UNICEF efforts and founded and served as president of school’s UNICEF club. Also serving second year as president of school’s social justice club and secretary for Lebanese Student Association. Participating in second year of Business Professionals of America and as treasurer. Will attend University of Michigan and study business administration and international studies.
Essay Quote: “Soccer has taught me countless lessons, but the one that resonates most is the importance of respect — for teammates, opponents, and the game itself. Respect ensures that the competitive environment remains positive, fostering growth rather than hostility. Whether it's helping an opponent up after a fall or applauding their skill during a tough match, small acts of sportsmanship highlight the values of humility and empathy, both on and off the field.”
Ella Gifford, Birmingham Seaholm
Competed four seasons on varsity swimming & diving team and playing her second season of varsity basketball. Also will play fourth season of water polo in the spring. Advanced to MHSAA Finals scoring heats in swimming her final two seasons and helped team to Lower Peninsula Division 2 championship as freshman. Helped basketball team to league title and earned all-state honorable mention last year in water polo. Earned academic all-state in water polo and served as captain of water polo and swim teams and junior varsity basketball team. Earned AP Scholar recognition and is participating in second year of National Honor Society and third year of Spanish Honor Society. Participating in second year of triathlon club and has served as president, and participating in second year of school’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Taught swim lessons throughout high school and served as assistant coach for junior high swim team three years. Participating as Wyld Life Youth Group leader as a senior. Will attend University of Michigan and study business administration.
Essay Quote: “Great teams prioritize collective goals over individual achievements. I’ve been fortunate to be on several championship-level teams, and I’ve seen first-hand how sportsmanship can shift the culture of a team, making the team simultaneously more successful and more enjoyable.”
Grace Johnson-Sears, Birmingham Seaholm
Ran three seasons of varsity cross country and will compete in fourth of track & field this spring. Earned league scholar-athlete awards three years for both sports and served as captain of both teams. Named AP Scholar with Honor. Participating in second years of National Honor Society and National Science Honor Society and as executive board member of latter, and also serving as president in third year in chemistry club. Participating in fourth years in Seaholm’s jazz, marching and pep bands and played three years in school symphony and four years as part of Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Serving as vice president of band council and founded and directed school flute choir. Earned district and state level superior ratings for solo and ensemble from Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. Has not decided where she will attend college but intends to study chemistry or chemical engineering.
Essay Quote: “As soon as you leave practice and enter a race, cross country changes from physical to mental. Without constantly being pushed to my limits by those around me, I would have never found what I was capable of. I make it my priority to do the same for others in all aspects of my life, giving my all, not out of combativeness, but respect.”
Chikanma Okoisor, Midland Dow
Will compete in her third season of track & field this spring and competed two seasons on swimming & diving team. Earned league all-academic recognition multiple seasons. Founded and serving as executive director of Aspire United Education that has impacted children with mentorship and donations across four continents. Participating in third year of Key Club International and as trustee, and previously served as district lieutenant governor. Participating in third year as coach intern with Coderina Edtech Foundation and served as FIRST Robotics Challenge electrical subteam lead. Serving third year on Midland Area Youth Action Council, this year as vice president. Served as Black Student Alliance president and co-chairperson of Black Youth of Midland. Named AP Scholar, participating in second year of National Honor Society and received national award from National Center for Women in Information Technology (NCWIT). Will attend Rice University in Texas and study electrical and computer engineering.
Essay Quote: “As the dust settles on the track, I realize that sportsmanship is more than just fair play — it's the heartbeat of our shared human experience. In every stride, every cheer, and every outstretched hand, we write a story of unity that transcends the finish line. This spirit, born on the track, now races through every aspect of my life, propelling me forward with the knowledge that true victory lies not in gold medals but in lifting others as we run together.”
Sophia Tang, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
Played four seasons of varsity volleyball, is playing her third of varsity basketball and also played junior varsity soccer as a freshman. Earned all-region and all-league in volleyball and served as captain of volleyball varsity and junior varsity basketball teams. Competing third year on robotics team and reached world championship division quarterfinals and state semifinals in 2024. Founded and serves as president of U2H medical supply shipping nonprofit. Served on school newspaper staff throughout high school and earned sports journalism award. Participated in Global Outreach Club throughout high school and served as president and volunteer coordinator. Developed physical therapy app as part of General Motors Safety Department internship. Is undecided where she will attend college but intends to study molecular biology and biomedical engineering.
Essay Quote: “For me, sportsmanship is clapping after a girl gets up from the floor following a hard fall because that injury just ended her season. Sportsmanship is crying tears of joy when your injured teammate gets 50 cycles on the exercise bike because you know how much every little milestone means. Sportsmanship is driving a teammate to her first therapy session because her knee injury has become the hardest opponent she’s ever been up against, and because you were her two years ago.”
Noah Kaplan, Bloomfield Hills
Played four seasons of varsity tennis and will play third of varsity lacrosse this spring. Advanced to MHSAA Tennis Finals flight semifinals and earned all-state recognition in doubles, and helped team to three straight Finals team titles. Earned league scholar-athlete awards multiple seasons in both sports. Served as tennis team captain. Participating in fourth year of DECA, earned state championship, and served as president of career development. Participating in National Honor Society and third year in community service club. Serving second year on school’s athletics booster student board and as events and fundraising chairperson, and serving as ClubLink communications director. Served as youth basketball coach throughout high school and also as football referee and tennis and lacrosse instructor. Is undecided where he will attend college but intends to study business with a focus on real estate.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship isn’t about rules or rankings; it’s about humanity. It’s recognizing that the person across the net is more than just an opponent — they’re human beings with struggles and emotions. It’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it costs you personally. … (E)ducational athletics isn’t just about competing; it’s about building character.”
Asher Langwell, Bloomfield Hills
Played four seasons of varsity tennis and will play third of varsity golf this spring. Earned all-state at No. 1 doubles this past fall after winning Finals flight championship, and also was part of No. 4 doubles flight winner as junior. Helped tennis team to three straight Finals team titles. Earned all-state honorable mention last spring after reaching MHSAA Golf Finals for second time and tying for 13th in Lower Peninsula Division 1. Served or will serve as captain of both teams. Participating in fourth year of DECA, won state championship and served as vice president of marketing. Serving third year on student booster board as athletes in action/community service chairperson, and participating in third year of National Honor Society. Also participating in third year of community service club and has volunteered with Friendship Circle throughout high school. Will attend University of Michigan but has not decided what he will study.
Essay Quote: “Your actions on the (golf) course reflect not just your own character but also the school you represent. Sportsmanship isn’t just about being a good sport, it’s about doing the right thing, even when no one else is watching. It’s about honesty, integrity and respect, which are all values I will take with me once I leave high school.”
Nick Leiter, Detroit Catholic Central
Playing third season of varsity ice hockey and has helped team to two straight Division 1 championships. Serving as captain this season. Named National Merit Scholarship Commended Student and participating in National Honor Society for second year and was chosen to speak during his chapter’s 2024 NHS induction ceremony. Participated in DECA throughout high school, earning state and national championships and serving on chapter’s board. Serving third year on student government and has participated with various community service organizations throughout high school, including this year the Oakland County Foster Closet clothing drive – leading as a project manager. Served as a tutor throughout high school. Will attend University of Michigan and study business and accounting.
Essay Quote: “Contrary to its name, sportsmanship isn’t confined to sports – it extends to every competitive aspect of life. It’s easy to think of sportsmanship as just a handshake after a game, but I believe it’s much more. Sportsmanship is a conscious, empathetic response to situations where people stand to gain or lose something. It’s not just about the winners or losers; it’s about how everyone involved conducts themselves.”
Nimai Patel, Midland Dow
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, helped team to two Lower Peninsula Division 2 Finals championships and won No. 4 singles flight titles as sophomore and junior. Earned all-state as a junior and honorable mention as a sophomore, and served as team co-captain as a senior. Named AP Scholar with Distinction and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Served on Midland Area Youth Action Council throughout high school and as senior serving as school district’s Engineering Board student representative. Serving as robotics team director in fourth year of competition. Also has participated in school’s Space Farmers program throughout high school, earning first place at NASA & Growing Beyond Earth student research symposium. Finished among 32 finalists for Buildspace Competition. Is undecided where he will attend college, but intends to study industrial engineering.
Essay Quote: “As I progressed through high school tennis, I began to adopt practices from my coaches, people who I truly look up to as role models. I saw every practice, match and interaction as a chance to foster new connections with other teams. … My perspective shifted – I no longer viewed my opponent as a rival, but as someone who shared the same love for the game, made the same sacrifices and had the same dreams.”
Brady Scheidt, West Bloomfield
Playing third season of varsity hockey, will play third season of varsity baseball this spring and also played junior varsity soccer as a freshman. Earned all-league recognition in hockey and baseball and serving second season as hockey team captain. Participated in DECA throughout high school and serving this year as chapter vice president. Earned DECA state championship and top-30 world recognition. Sang in choir throughout high school, contributing to Michigan School Vocal Music Association conference qualifier, and served as Voice Day committee chairperson as a junior. Participated in theater/drama three years and served as drama director for Vacation Bible School camp. Volunteered for service projects serving homeless and needy families throughout high school. Will attend New York University and study business economics.
Essay Quote: “High school sports are full of challenges, but it’s been the opportunity to face those challenges that has been the most valuable to me. If I hadn’t struggled with controlling my anger, I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities to learn how to respect the people around me and use my passion for something positive. To me, the value of sportsmanship in high school sports is learning the skills necessary to succeed in life.”
Sean Wesolek, Bay City John Glenn
Playing fourth season of varsity basketball and played varsity football as a freshman and sophomore. Earned all-state and academic all-state in basketball. Serving third year as basketball team captain and has coached and refereed for youth programs in that sport. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and dually-enrolled at Delta College. Earned region’s Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Award. Graduated from Youth Leadership Bay County program and served two years on school’s student senate. Volunteered in various service efforts throughout high school including through United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County and local rescue mission, soup kitchen and hospice house. Will attend Hope College and study pre-health sciences.
Essay Quote: “True sportsmanship is about understanding that my rival is also a member of my community. That he is also a high school kid who is trying his best on a given night. That both teams will fight as hard as we can on the 94 feet of the basketball court, but when the final buzzer sounds we congratulate the winner and take away what went well and what can we do better next time.”
Gruhith Yerramalli, Grosse Pointe North
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, earning all-state recognition the last two and qualifying for MHSAA Finals three times. Served as team captain and earned scholar-athlete award. Also played club soccer throughout high school, helping team qualify for State Cup all four seasons. Named AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Scholarship Commended Student, and participating in second year of National Honor Society and as chapter president. Serving second year as part of Grosse Pointe North Student Association and as senator. Participating in third year of DECA and is a two-time state finalist, and has competed in FIRST robotics throughout high school and won Newton Division world final. Founded and owns Gru4Good tutoring service and also is serving as lead tutor in third year with 4TeenFinance. Is undecided where he will attend college, but will study aerospace engineering.
Essay Quote: “In sports, outcomes are unpredictable, and moments of success are often accompanied by setbacks. Good sportsmanship teaches athletes how to deal with wins and losses with grace and dignity. … By exhibiting good sportsmanship, athletes can cope with tough defeats and can choose a positive mindset, thinking about what they can learn from the experience rather than putting themselves down because of what they didn’t do.”
Other Class A girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were Clara Freeth, Ann Arbor Huron; Katherine Ma, Ann Arbor Huron; Avery Allen, Birmingham Seaholm; Selina Lin, Birmingham Seaholm; Sydney Law, Byron Center; Alaa Selman, Dearborn Heights Crestwood; Eleni Michos, Dexter; Grace Tykocki, Grand Blanc; Kylie Pung, Howell; Bomin Koo, Jenison; Kortney Osborn, Mason; Ayesha Middha, Midland Dow; Tara Creekmore, Plymouth; Katherine McLaughlin, Portage Central; Grace Roth, Saline; Madeline Bildeaux, Traverse City West; Carly Lyons, West Bloomfield; and Natalie Weissman, West Bloomfield.
Other Class A boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were Milan Patel, Birmingham Seaholm; Carson J. Wright, Birmingham Seaholm; Calvin J.C. Meeker, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; Peter Sanin, Detroit Catholic Central; Lucas Groulx, Flint Kearsley; Elijah Lipke, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central; Jack Lupo, Grosse Pointe South; James Michelotti, Grosse Pointe South; Joseph Spada, Kalamazoo Central; Andrew Creedon, Livonia Churchill; Cameron McVittie, Northville; Nathan Beemer, Okemos; Drew Cady, Oxford; Hunter Easton, Saline; Auben Wesley, South Lyon; Owen Przybylski, Temperance Bedford; and Asher Paul, Traverse City Central.
The Class C and D scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 4, and the Class B honorees were announced Feb. 11.
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.