Scholars and Athletes 2013: Class A
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 19, 2013
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected 13 student-athletes from Class A member schools to receive scholarships through its Scholar-Athlete Award program.
Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 24th year of sponsoring the award, will give a $1,000 college scholarship to 32 individuals who represent their member school 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 which can come from any classification. Of Class A honorees, seven are girls and six are boys – with the seventh girl an at-large selection.
Each scholarship recipient will be honored during a halftime ceremony at the Class C Boys Basketball Final game March 23 at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Commemorative medallions will be given to other finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.
The Class A Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Lara Fawaz, Dearborn; Kayla Giese, Macomb Dakota; Kristin Nicole Green, Saline; Kelly Hall, Saline; Brooke Kovacic, Oxford; Teresa LaForest, St. Joseph; Reinie Thomas, Portage Central; Marcus Barnett, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore; Connor James Bos, Holland; Bryan Condra, Hartland; Kalvis Hornburg, Traverse City Central; Jeremy Simon, Richland Gull Lake; and Adam Whitener, Saline.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class A Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Lara Fawaz, Dearborn. Four-year letterwinner in Basketball and Tennis, served at team captain and captured all-league and academic all-league honors in both sports. Has played doubles on Dearborn tennis team which has qualified for MHSAA Finals the past three years. Four-year participant in Key Club, Arabic Club and Sadr Foundation USA. Has served as student government vice president for two years, and as an officer for National Honor Society and Arabic Club. Helped launch a book drive for Oakwood Center for Exception Families, which garnered over 500 books. Has also been a tutor. Plans neuroscience studies at the University of Michigan.
Essay Quote – “Those who lose and start to cause trouble with their opponents, do not only lose, but also undermine the respectable system of the game. Sometimes you lose and others you win, but how you react to a certain loss or win is what will define you as an athlete.”
Kayla Giese, Macomb Dakota. In four years on swimming team, was team captain, most valuable, all-county and league all-academic. Helped lead squad to back-to-back conference championships. Also lettered twice in track, earning all-county and league all-academic on teams which won league and county championships. Served as vice president of student government and National Honor Society, and was class secretary. Delegate to Michigan Association of Student Councils & Honor Societies. Active in Key Club and Be The Change at Dakota High School, and has performed numerous hours of community service. Will attend Michigan State University, studying cellular and molecular biology.
Essay Quote – “I have evolved as a sportsman, as well as a leader. I have flourished and succeeded through this development of sportsmanship. It has allowed me to expand my leadership skills as my teammates admire the encouragement and support I provide for them.”
Kristin Nicole Green, Saline. Will letter for four seasons in both cross country in track. Earned all-conference, academic all-conference and league sportsmanship awards. Captain of both cross country and track teams as a senior. Medaled at MHSAA Lower Peninsula Track & Field Finals twice as part of relay teams. Also earned all-conference and academic all-conference honors in track. Organized effort by cross country team to provide Christmas for local family. Youth soccer referee and a certified swimming lifeguard. Part of Link Crew at Saline, which helps freshmen transition into high school. Plans to major in marketing and psychology at the University of Michigan.
Essay Quote – “When there is no sportsmanship in an athletic event, whether it is a recreational soccer match or the football state championships there is a gaping hole for bitterness, frustration, and even hatred to fill.”
Kelly Hall, Saline. A four-time letterwinner in cross country, and also earned three letters in track. Received hardest worker award as a senior. Received league all-academic award each year in cross country and track. Recipient of school’s Coach Mike Smith Scholarship for sportsmanship, leadership and character. Has been an officer with National Honor Society, Saline Youth Council and Interact Club. Has played violin in school symphony orchestra. Selected Homecoming Queen in 2012. Received INTERACT Award three times. Volunteer work ranges from food bank to youth membership. Will attend either the University of Michigan or Yale University to study informatics and epidemiology and eventually pursue an MBA degree.
Essay Quote – “It may sound like a cliché, but I truly believe that the lessons learned every day in practice are as important as those learned in the classroom. One of the most important of these lessons is sportsmanship, and I’m blessed to have a coach who recognizes this. He has instilled in us values and respect and modesty, reminding us often ‘Humble when you win, gracious when you lose.’”
Brooke Kovacic, Oxford. Served as team captain of cross country squad for the past three seasons, as well as the past two seasons in track. Will win four varsity letters in each sport. Medaled at MHSAA Division 1 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals all four years, finishing fourth as a junior, sixth as a senior. Team most valuable and all-league four times. Academic all-state honoree. On the track, also earned all-state, all league and all-country awards. Played clarinet in concert band four years. Helps mentor and tutor younger students through Captain’s Club and Link Crew. Member of National Honor Society, and captain of Adventure Club. Plans to study Kinesiology at Michigan State University.
Essay Quote – “These acts and manners that we learn through sports effortlessly carry into our everyday behaviors and transform us into well rounded, caring citizens. Sportsmanship is contagious, and the leadership, discipline, and determination that we learn from competing against others who share these qualities make the experiences all the more beneficial and applicable to life.”
Teresa LaForest, St. Joseph. Performs in cross country in the fall and tennis in the spring, winning seven varsity letters to date. A team captain in cross country, and a Regional Singles champion and all-conference honoree in tennis. Has participated in student government all four years, and served as class treasurer and vice president. Also a member of Key Club, Latin Club and Math Club, and is as an officer in all three groups. Has been a youth tennis instructor and a volunteer with a local soup kitchen and Habitat for Humanity. Engineering will be her course of study at the University of Michigan.
Essay Quote – “The strength of the human spirit will always be tested by challenges, but making choices based on the values of respect, integrity and fairness – the essentials of sportsmanship – brings out the best in all people, athletes and non-athletes alike.”
Reinie Thomas, Portage Central. Will finish high school playing days with 10 varsity letters – four each in basketball and track; and two in volleyball. A team captain in hoops and on the track. Most valuable and most improved in basketball; and also won all-conference honors. Helped organize Pink Out games for American Cancer Society. All-conference performer in the 200-meter dash in track. Elected to leadership positions with National Honor Society and youth councils for Portage and Kalamazoo. Plays the saxophone and piano. Also attends Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center and competes on computer science team. Active in numerous community volunteer roles. Will continue education at the University of Chicago and study pre-med.
Essay Quote – “Though many times good sportsmanship is overlooked, it is a very valuable piece to every game. The fact that someone is still able to care about someone other than themselves during a contest almost means more than the game itself. After all, it is only a game. I love to win, but what’s a win with a bad attitude and reputation?”
Marcus Barnett, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore. Three-sport athlete, winning four letters in soccer and track and field, and three in basketball. All-state and academic all-state in soccer, and was team captain as a senior. Won all-academic awards three straight years in basketball and track and field. Was team captain in track and field, and a qualifier for the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Finals first three years in school. Involved for four years in Principals & Leadership. Treasurer in National Honor Society. Took part in Chinese Foreign Cultural Exchange Program and Lake Shore Chinese/American Student Summit. Member of Goodfellows of Madison Heights, and active in church activities. Plans to study engineering at Lawrence Technological University or the University of Michigan.
Essay Quote - “My mother always taught me to treat people the way you would like to be treated. This life lesson is the very same principle I use on the soccer field, basketball court, and the track. I know that in other areas of my life, such as college or my career, I will encounter people who will try to advance themselves by putting others down. In these situations I can fall back on the sportsmanship lessons that I have practices through high school athletics.”
Connor James Bos, Holland. Four-year standout in swimming, qualifying for MHSAA Lower Peninsula Finals each year. Finished sixth in 100-yard backstroke as a junior, and also was part of two relay teams that medaled. Also earned all-conference honors, and was part of winning 400-yard relay team. Spent four years on Student Council, and was class president three times. Member of choir and Fellowship of Christian Athletes throughout high school. Worked for three years on Holland Youth Advisory Council and West Michigan Airport Authority Board. Took part in Boy’s State and Boy’s Nation. Member of church praise band. Will study business and political science in college; considering Hope College, the University of Kentucky, Auburn University and Gardner-Webb University.
Essay Quote – “Too often, our eyes are only on the prize of winning and not the process it takes to really be a ‘winning’ team in all aspects. When I interview for a job, is a first place medal going to define who I am, or will it be my character? You be the judge.”
Bryan Condra, Hartland. Eleven varsity letters – four each in swimming and diving, and track and field; and three in soccer – were earned in prep career. A team captain in swimming and soccer. Three-time academic all-state in the pool, and qualified for MHSAA Lower Peninsula Finals first three years in school. Led soccer team in scoring as junior and garnered most valuable and most improved honors that year. Holds school record in 3,200-meter run in track. Four-year involvement in student government, three as class president. Helped create Be The Change program in school, and anti-bullying campaign. Participated in Bible Club and teaches youngsters at a local church. Has served for two years in program that mentors freshmen students. Plans to attend Grand Valley State University and study business management/finance.
Essay Quote – “I led my team to the understanding that there is more to what we do on the field any given day. The way in which we present ourselves reflects directly on our community and how people from other districts view Hartland. I led them to believe that sportsmanship was the single most important aspect of the game.”
Kalvis Hornburg, Traverse City Central. Skiing, soccer and track and field are his sports. Captured all-state honors in skiing as a junior, finishing second in the slalom. Will earn fourth varsity letter this season. Helped ski team to MHSAA titles as a freshman and sophomore. Team most valuable as a junior and team captain this year. Won all-conference honors three times. Was also a team captain in soccer, and won all-academic honors on three occasions. Chapter officer in National Honor Society. Participated for four years in school choir and advanced Science, Math and Technology Program. Played lead role in two school musicals. Active in local church choir. Plans neuroscience/pre-med studies in college.
Essay Quote – “True sportsmanship lies in building mutual respect, in the cooperative aspects of competition, in finding friendship and camaraderie in shared dedication to something you love. Consequently, sportsmanship transcends the athletic boundary, and has a resounding influence on the way we deal with others in school and the workplace.”
Jeremy Simon, Richland Gull Lake. A standout in cross country and track and field; will finish with four letters in each sport. Two-time team captain in both sports. Won academic all-state in all –conference honors in each. Was team most valuable in cross country as a junior. Won all-state honors as part of medaling relay team at MHSAA Lower Peninsula Track & Field Finals as a sophomore. Four-year member of Student Senate and served as class president three years. Participant in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Volunteens. Also serves on Superintendents Advisory Committee, as a tutor to other students and as a youth Deacon at his church. Plans to pursue studies in finance or pre-medicine at either Hope College or the University of Michigan.
Essay Quote – “After my experience with Scottie, I grew immensely as a sportsman because I realized the kind of impact my leadership and moral discipline could have on people, and I recognized the evident significance of sportsmanship. I learned to stand firmly for what I believe and for what is right.”
Adam Whitener, Saline. Captained Saline’s swimming and diving team, and will win four letter in the sport this winter. MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 1 champion in the 100 and 200-Yard Freestyle as sophomore and junior, and swam on winning 400 Free Relay teams both years. Part of winning 200 Freestyle Relay quintet as a freshman and junior. All-conference performer on multiple occasions. Member of Boys Scouts throughout high school, attaining rank of Eagle Scout. Participated in band each year, playing the saxophone, and winning top competition ratings three times. Community service includes Special Olympics, food drives and work with local historical society. Plays with church praise band. Will attend the University of Virginia and study computer science.
Essay Quote – “Jake Englemeier, the captain of the high school team my freshman year is the embodiment of what sportsmanship should be in educational athletics. Jake was most admired by the team for his patience and positive approach as a captain. He never resorted to belittling us lower classmen in practice. Instead, he would use humor and wit to motivate and encourage us.”
Other Class A girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Kristy Allen, East Grand Rapids; Casie Ammerman, Ann Arbor Huron; Jacqueline Burke, Troy; Francesca Ciaramitaro, Grosse Pointe North; Morgan Alexandria Gilliam, North Farmington; Sarah Gutknecht, Farmington; Hailey Hrynewich, Muskegon Mona Shores; Jessica Kalbfleisch, Traverse City West; Jillian Klein, Muskegon Mona Shores; Elizabeth Michno, Macomb L'Anse Creuse North; Kelly Raterink, Zeeland East; Roxanne Raven, Okemos; Kerigan Riley, Livonia Churchill; Haley Schaafsma, Riverview; Carley Serowoky, Waterford Kettering; Kendall Tamler, Birmingham Seaholm; and Lindsay Walter, Saline.
Other Class A boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Andrew Camp, Midland Dow; Jarrod Eaton, St. Johns; Tristan Eggenberger, Okemos; Alex Fauer, Macomb Dakota; Thomas Greidanus, Grand Rapids Christian; Reed Hrynewich, Muskegon Mona Shores; Austin Jones, Bay City Central; Tyler Scott Kemerer, Saginaw Heritage; Anthony Lamus, Saline; Jacob J. Presto, Orchard Lake St. Mary's; Charles Robert Proctor, Bay City Western; David Read, Midland Dow; Harrison Schurr, Jenison; Jonathan Sollish, Berkley; Thomas Spicuzza, Oxford; Jason Vander Horst, Milford; Kevin W. Walsh, Detroit Catholic Central; and Pierce Watson, Lowell.
Previously announced were the scholarship award recipients in Classes B, C and D. The Class B Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Ashley M. Carney, Jackson Northwest; Amanda Ciancio, Comstock Park; Mary Emington, Cadillac; Nicole L. Green, Portland; Alec Robert Fisher, Battle Creek Harper Creek; Patrick Gifford, Haslett; Scott Parkinson, Grayling; and Keeton Thayer Ross, Grosse Ile. The Class C Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Kylei Ratkowski, Bronson; Grace Smith, Kalamazoo Hackett; Nicole Winter, Watervliet; Jesse Anderson, Union City; Ashwin Fujii, Ann Arbor Greenhills; and Connor Lockman, Royal Oak Shrine. The Class D Scholar-Athlete Award scholarship recipients are: Elyse Kathleen Lisznyai, Hillsdale Academy; Elena Victoria Luce, Mason County Eastern; Charles Barchett, Watervliet Grace Christian; Chip A. Blood, Hillsdale Academy; and Francisco Jay Noyola, Lansing Christian
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2023 Scholar-Athlete Award Recipients Announced in Class A
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 21, 2023
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected 14 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 34th 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 25 during the MHSAA Boys Basketball Finals at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing.
The Class A Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are Jane Barnett, Royal Oak; Ella Blank, Birmingham Groves; Nora Chamas, Dearborn; Caroline Colt, Milford; Abby Frushour, DeWitt; Naomi Sowa, East Lansing; Keira Tolmie, Clarkston; James Baer, Holland; Brendan Downey, Grosse Pointe South; Ryan Lee, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern; Shubhan Nagarkar, Midland Dow; Shane Pitcher, Saline; Isaac Postema, Grand Haven; and Ian Robertson, Traverse City West.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class A Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
(NOTE: If an athlete intended to play and was part of a spring sports team in 2020, that sport is counted among the athlete’s total although the season was canceled due to COVID-19.)
Jane Barnett, Royal Oak
Ran four seasons of varsity cross country and will compete in her fourth of track & field this spring. Also participating in Special Olympics Michigan Unified basketball. Helped cross country team to MHSAA Finals three times and earned all-league honors in track. Contributed to academic all-state team honor. Served or will serve as captain of both varsities. Serving as senior class secretary, second year as representative officer to district’s Parent Student Teacher Association and third year as officer for Model United Nations; also has served on student council all four years of high school. Playing fourth year in symphony orchestra, and was principal cellist. Participating in second year of National Honor Society, and designed and taught lessons weekly to second-grade student as a Study Buddy program mentor. Will attend University of Michigan and study public health sciences.
Essay Quote: “As a coach’s daughter, I have had a lifetime of appreciating the joys and the heartaches of the sport. Supporting others has taught me to be a better runner and person. Sportsmanship is not only a way to keep the peace; it's the foundation upon which the transformative nature of sports can take place.”
Ella Blank, Birmingham Groves
Played three seasons of varsity golf, playing second of varsity basketball and will play fourth of varsity softball this spring; also played junior varsity volleyball as a freshman. Earned all-league in softball and was part of academic all-state teams in golf and softball. Served as captain of varsity golf and softball teams and junior varsity basketball team. Named National Merit Commended Scholar. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and third of National Math Honor Society. Serving as president of math club and co-president of Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Playing fourth year in marching and jazz bands and symphony, and second as section leader. Founded and directs Sandlot Summer Camp and has umpired youth softball all four years of high school. Serving as The Hidden Opponent student-athletes mental health program campus captain, and has served as volunteer religious school teacher and camp counselor also throughout her high school career. Will attend University of Michigan and study physics.
Essay Quote: “Being a good sport goes beyond cordiality and shaking hands after a match. Good sportsmanship creates trust, and trust creates respect. ... Actions on the field have effects on opinions off of it.”
Nora Chamas, Dearborn
Ran two seasons of varsity cross country and will play her fourth of varsity tennis this spring. Helped tennis team to league championship as a junior and served as captain in that sport and as alternate captain for cross country. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and serving as chapter president, and also serving fourth year on student council. Serving second year on superintendent’s student advisory council and participating in fourth year of key club, serving as treasurer. Playing fourth year in orchestra and as first chair violinist. Participating in second year of social justice club and as social media manager, and serving as president of Discover Islam Club and DHS Pad Project having also founded the latter. Serving as treasurer of future medical professions club and representative in Arabic club, and in second year of tutoring elementary students. Earned multiple awards for work in voter registration. Is undecided where she will attend college and is still considering her future course of study.
Essay Quote: “To me, sportsmanship is the act of believing in others. … If we want to cultivate a flourishing population of students, we must first believe in one another. Only then will we find thoughtful pupils and passionate futurists.”
Caroline Colt, Milford
Played three seasons of varsity golf and will play fourth of varsity tennis this spring; also created team and is participating in second year of Unified basketball. Qualified for MHSAA Golf Finals as individual as a junior and was part of academic all-state team, and also earned academic all-league in both sports. Served multiple seasons as golf varsity captain and will serve as tennis co-captain this spring. Participating in second years of National Honor Society, DECA and as part of student docent scholarship program with the Milford Historical Society. Serving as vice president of NHS chapter, assistant editor of school newspaper, ambassador for The Letter Project and treasurer of stock market club; also has served as assistant tennis coach for local parks & recreation department. Earned multiple DECA district championships. Is undecided where she will attend college, but plans to pursue studies in medicine and humanities.
Essay Quote: “As a golfer, tennis player, and all-around athlete, I have been told my entire life to follow the rules, play fair, and have fun. Yet, when faced with difficult choices, I often see my competitors lack honor and integrity. I believe that true sportsmanship is rare, yet is the most crucial characteristic of being a great athlete.”
Abby Frushour, DeWitt
Competed four seasons on varsity swimming & diving team and will play her fourth season of tennis this spring. Helped swim & dive team to three league championships and earned all-zone honorable mention and all-league academic honors. Served as that team’s co-captain two seasons. Named a finalist for National Merit Scholarship and earned AP Scholar honor as a junior. Serving as class council president in fourth year as officer. Represented student body at district’s strategic planning retreat. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and first as part of school’s chamber choir. Participating in third year as part of youth camp teen service team. Is undecided where she will attend college, but intends to study political science.
Essay Quote: “We all know the rules for a socially acceptable handshake: right hand, firm grip, eye contact. However, you’ll find that these rules do not apply at the end of the 500-yard freestyle. After charging into the wall, with a pounding heart and burning arms and numb legs and not a single ounce of energy left, it’s difficult to care if you look stupid while congratulating your opponents. … But here’s the truth: It doesn’t matter how strange the interaction may look. So long as you make a genuine effort to recognize and respect the achievements of your opponent, you are practicing good sportsmanship.”
Naomi Sowa, East Lansing
Played three seasons of varsity volleyball and will play her fourth of varsity softball this spring. Earned all-area and all-league in both sports, all-region in volleyball, and also all-league academic honors in both. Served as captain of both varsity teams. Carrying 4.0 GPA and earned AP Scholar Award posting highest-possible score on two exams. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and as chapter historian. Playing fourth year in school’s wind ensemble, as first chair clarinet as a senior, and previously earned festival award and performed at Michigan Music Conference. Is undecided where she will attend college, but intends to study computational mathematics or data science.
Essay Quote: “True sportsmanship lies in respecting others, and you cannot call yourself a conductor of sportsmanship without looking inward and reflecting on the actions you take and decisions you make. … Whether we accept it or not, the person we are on the playing surface is the same person we are in our everyday lives. Sportsmanship can be sought out in all things, in all places, and in all people. The empathetic capability goes beyond the playing surface, transcends the world of sports, and prepares athletes to journey through the world with a purpose, cultivating a duty to make the world a better place.”
Keira Tolmie, Clarkston
Playing fourth season of varsity basketball and will play fourth of varsity softball this spring. Made all-state first team in softball and all-league and county in basketball, helping the latter to three District championships entering this winter. Selected as captain of both varsity teams multiple seasons. Carries 4.2 GPA and is participating in second year of National Honor Society. Serving second year on MHSAA Student Advisory Council and participating in third year in school’s leadership program. Served through high school as youth sports camp counselor and this year as elementary school mentor for refugee student. Will attend Central Michigan University and study on a pre-medical track as she pursues a career as a radiologist.
Essay Quote: “The only way I will be successful in life is to put others first and to earn the respect of those around me. Even in competition, it is possible to be respectful, show kindness, empathy and compassion all while working as hard as possible with a winning spirit. Complaining to officials, faking injuries and displaying anger after a loss does not show any respect as an athlete for the sport that you’ve worked so hard to excel at, and is counter-intuitive to why we compete.”
James Baer, Holland
Competing in fourth varsity season on swimming & diving team and played second season of varsity tennis in the fall. Will compete in second varsity season of track & field this spring and also played junior varsity soccer as a freshman and sophomore. Earned all-state in swimming as a three-time Finals qualifier entering this season, and reached Finals flight quarterfinals in tennis. Serving as captain of swim & dive team and was captain of tennis team in the fall. Participating in second years of National Honor Society, serving on the executive board, and student senate. Participating in second year of chess club, as team captain, and also second year of quiz bowl. Selected for school’s top show choir in first year, as a senior, and was lead in school musical as a junior. Is undecided where he will attend college, but intends to study economics.
Essay Quote: “Ultimately, high school sports are outlets for student athletes to gain mental fortitude while learning valuable cooperative and leadership abilities. I am a naturally competitive person who is driven by goals; however, upon entering high school I quickly realized that I stood to gain more through building relationships with teammates and competitors than through setting records or winning matches.”
Brendan Downey, Grosse Pointe South
Ran four seasons of varsity cross country and will compete in fourth of track & field this spring; also played junior varsity basketball as a freshman. Qualified for MHSAA Finals in track the last two seasons and placed 16th in Lower Peninsula Division 1 in 1,600 meters. Earned all-league and all-county in cross country while ranking among school’s fastest all-time in that sport. Served as captain of cross country team and will serve as track & field captain this spring. Named National Merit Commended Scholar as a senior and AP Scholar with Distinction as a junior. Participating in second year of National Honor Society, serving as secretary, second year of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and first of Spanish Honor Society. Serving second year as copy editor and staff judge for school’s art and literary magazine, and has had poetry published. Participating in third year of school’s Interact Club and second in peer-to-peer program assisting students with autism. Will attend University of Michigan and major in public policy.
Essay Quote: “Sports are not just about the championship trophy or all-state status. Sports are a blueprint for life: they teach student-athletes to be respectful, to practice empathy, to be generous, and sometimes, to put another’s success before one’s own.”
Ryan Lee, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, earning three all-state honors including making the first team twice, and helped team to two Lower Peninsula Division 2 Finals championships while also earning one individual flight Finals title. Served as captain multiple seasons. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and participated in DECA throughout high school, earning state championship in 2022 and serving as club president. Participating in second year with Van Andel Institute Student Journal Club, as chapter president. Founded and serves as president of Racquets for Rapids, which refurbishes used racquets for redistribution to community organizations. Conducted carbon tax research through International Socioeconomic Laboratory, with findings approved for publication in Journal of Student Research. Is undecided where he will attend college, but intends to study economics and mathematics.
Essay Quote: “In a peculiar way, sports are a microcosm of life. We win, and we lose. We form the strongest of bonds and the greatest of rivalries. We learn the value of discipline and resilience, and we compete fiercely with others to reach victory. Through all this turmoil, it is sometimes a challenge to maintain sportsmanship, integrity, and compassion. Through tennis, more so than any other activity, I have had opportunities to develop these qualities such that they have become more important than the outcome.”
Shubhan Nagarkar, Midland Dow
Played four years of tennis, helping team to Lower Peninsula Division 2 Finals championship this past fall and reaching flight final and semifinals during last two seasons. Earned all-state honorable mention and ranks in MHSAA record book for multiple doubles categories. Named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, and AP Scholar with Distinction twice. Qualified for national competitions as part of American Computer Science League and Math League, and earned MathCon national honorable mention. Serving as Michigan State University St. Andrews Research intern, and participated in robotics and math club all four years. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and third on A.H. Nickless Innovation Competition team. Playing fourth year in symphonic band and symphony orchestra, as clarinet section leader, and earned “1” state ratings for solo and ensemble clarinet, and piano from Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. Is undecided where he will attend college, but intends to study biomedical engineering.
Essay Quote: “More than learning every detail about tennis in that first year of varsity, I absorbed the complex dynamics of sportsmanship and saw the ubiquity of it outside of sports. Whether it is displaying respect and gratitude to an opponent following a heart-wrenching loss in the state finals or restraining your pride and supporting others after a key win, you will never regret your actions.”
Shane Pitcher, Saline
Ran two years of varsity cross country and will compete in third of varsity track & field this spring. Earned all-region in cross country and all-league in track, and will finish senior year having served as captain of both teams. Participating in second years of National Honor Society – earning silver service honor – and student council. Participated in Boy Scouts throughout high school, attaining Eagle Scout plus earning two Eagle Palms, and was selected to BSA’s Order of the Arrow. Participating in third year including second on executive council for Connecting Club, and wrote $10,000 grant for a disability-inclusive space. Participated with Students About Staying Healthy chapter all four years including as treasurer as a senior, and three years in Generation Global program. Will attend Hope College and study social studies secondary education, with a minor in exercise science.
Essay Quote: “I understand that sports are emotional especially in the wake of a poor performance, but to be a sore loser after that says something about that person. It says to your opponent that you aren’t able to compose yourself and aren’t able to respond to hard situations. Responding with grace is always a more rewarding approach. Taking an inevitable loss with grace is a huge part of sportsmanship.”
Isaac Postema, Grand Haven
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, including at No. 1 singles his final three years. Won league championship and reached MHSAA Finals as a senior and earned all-state honorable mention for second time, and also senior all-state academic award. Served as team captain. Earned National Merit Scholarship Commendation as a junior and made academic honors list at Muskegon Community College during two years of early college program. Participating in second year of National Honor Society. Playing third year in orchestra and second as part of honors orchestra, as first chair cello, and earned “1” state rating from Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and invitation to Michigan Music Conference. Playing third year in school’s GOTAK Fiddle Club and as rhythm leader as a senior. Is undecided where he will attend college.
Essay Quote: “Winning meant nothing if it was accompanied by taunting and celebrations, and losing was incredibly honorable if it was taken with humility and poise. Poor sportsmanship not only reflects badly on the individual but can also influence how people may feel about the sport, degrading it as a whole. Good sportsmanship reflects positively on the player and the sport, allowing everyone to enjoy it.”
Ian Robertson, Traverse City West
Playing third season of varsity basketball, played two of varsity soccer and will play his third of varsity baseball this spring. Earned all-state honorable mention and league Player of the Year recognition in soccer and all-league and all-District in baseball. Helped those two teams to District championships and served as captain of all three varsity teams. Participating in fourth year of student senate, as student governor after also having served as recording secretary, and third year of National Honor Society. Has helped raise more than $20,000 for charity through student government work and contributed more than 85 hours of community service. Served as youth basketball coach throughout high school. Served as section leader of school’s “Bleacher Creatures” student section that won the 2021-22 MHSAA Battle of the Fans. Will attend Tufts University in Massachusetts and study on a pre-medical track.
Essay Quote: “At the end of the day, while winning and competing are some of the forefront goals of competitors, equally important is the experience and educational aspect that high school sports have to offer.”
Other Class A girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were Colleen Blackwood, Linden; Sophia Borowski, Grosse Pointe North; Abigail Cumings, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central; Kathleen Doneth, Mason; Ana Dunfee, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix; Amyla Eberhart, South Lyon East; Ella Eitniear, Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills; Miryam El-Saghir, Dearborn Edsel Ford; Sophia Hekkema, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer; Daria Igonin, Belleville; Kate Mazur, South Lyon East; Leah Merriam, Milford; Wendy Miedema, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix; Adrienne Staib, Fenton; Ella Thomas, Brownstown Woodhaven; Eva Whiteman, Holland; and Rachel Williamson, East Grand Rapids.
Other Class A boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were Connor Anderson, Cadillac; Abhinav Attaluri, Northville; Jack Bakus, Midland Dow; Treyton William Carr, Hudsonville; Isaac David Clark, Caledonia; Samuel Gibson, Plainwell; Braylen Himmelein, Davison; Henry Jackson, Bloomfield Hills; Nathan Katic, Fenton; Brayden Ryan LaCroix, Grandville; James Patterson Jr., Lake Orion; James Rocco, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix; Danny Safadi, Midland Dow; Harsimmer Sohi, Portage Central; Gavyn Stout, Muskegon Mona Shores; Trevor Wallar, Zeeland West; and David Whitaker, Northville.
The Class C/D scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 7, and the Class B honorees were announced Feb. 14.
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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 1.3 million spectators each year.