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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Scholars & Athletes 2022: Class A
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 22, 2022
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 33rd 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 26 during the MHSAA Boys Basketball Finals at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing.
The Class A Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Cookie Estelleh Baugh, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Ella DeGraw, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek; Alexis Maloney, St. Johns; Maeve Spicer, White Lake Lakeland; Ella Spooner, Holland West Ottawa; Greta VanZetten, Holland; Elzien Zomer, Holland; John Bungart, Orchard Lake St Mary's; William Goelz, Petoskey; Klay Grant, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer; Colin Koot, Mason; Brady Wright, Birmingham Seaholm; and Neil Zhu, Detroit Catholic Central.
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.)
Cookie Estelleh Baugh, Ann Arbor Pioneer
Ran four years of varsity cross country and will participate in her fourth of track & field this spring. Helped cross country team to three straight Lower Peninsula Division 1 championships and finished fifth and 12th, respectively, in the individual standings her final two seasons. Also ran on LPD1 champion 3,200-meter relay last spring. Earned all-state academic honors seven times across her two sports and served as captain of both teams. Participating in fourth year of student council and third of National Honor Society. Serving first year as Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation board member trustee and also fourth year on foundation’s Youth Council. Participated for three years as part of school’s Positive Peer Influencer program and is participating in third year of Pioneer’s Restorative Justice Program. Will attend Michigan State University and study kinesiology.
Essay Quote: “Having begun playing competitive sports at age 3, I have experienced wins and losses, successes and failures. I have felt like the queen of the world, and I have wept like a baby into my pillow. With each experience I learned my why. … To demonstrate good sportsmanship is as much for myself, teammates, coaches, parents, and family; I owe it to them to lead by a positive example.”
Ella DeGraw, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek
Participating in fourth season of competitive cheer and will play varsity tennis this spring after previously playing on junior varsity; also cheered four years with football sideline team. Helped competitive cheer team to Division 1 Finals championship as a freshman and is a four-year starter in all three rounds. Earned all-state recognition and twice made academic all-state team for cheer, and twice served as team captain for competitive and sideline teams. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and has served as officer and cabinet member. Also participating in third year of Spanish National Honor Society and as a senior officer. Serving fourth year and as leader of school’s Athletic Leadership Council, and serving fourth year in key club. Named Clinical Observer of the Year by Ascension St. John Children’s Hospital department of pediatrics. Will attend University of Michigan and study biology on a pre-medical track.
Essay Quote: “Sports have provided me with some of the best life skills I have ever learned. … Life is not always kind, bad outcomes happen regardless of effort and preparation, and all I can control is how I respond to those moments of adversity. Part of sportsmanship is dealing with adversity and not making excuses when the outcome doesn’t go your way.”
Alexis Maloney, St. Johns
Playing third season of varsity basketball and will play fourth of varsity tennis this spring; also played junior varsity volleyball as a freshman and sophomore. Earned all-conference and all-academic honors in basketball and tennis, helping tennis team to league championship and Regional runner-up finish. Served as captain for both varsity teams. Playing fourth year in marching band and third with symphonic band and has served as tenor drum and drumline section leader. Earned “1” competition ratings as part of both bands. Participating in fourth year on school’s Student Athletic Leadership Committee, and serving as social media director, and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Also participating in fourth years of school’s Compassion Club (serving on leadership board), Renaissance Club, Garden Club and church youth group. Will attend Trine University and study mechanical engineering.
Essay Quote: “When given the chance to congratulate, help, or support your opponent, do it. There will never be any negative backlash from the positivity you give to them, and know that makes you a better person. Sportsmanship is much like the golden rule; treat others the way you want to be treated. Take these lessons from the game and make them a part of your every day.”
Maeve Spicer, White Lake Lakeland
Competing in fourth season of varsity gymnastics and third of varsity competitive cheer. Also ran junior varsity cross country and participated in track & field as a freshman. Earned all-state in gymnastics finishing sixth on vault at MHSAA Finals as a junior and was conference all-around champion; also earned academic all-state recognition. Helped her Huron Valley United co-op gymnastics team to Regional title as a sophomore. Served as captain of gymnastics and cheer teams. Participating in second years of National Honor Society, Math Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Earned Individual Project Completion of Middle Years Programme as part of International Baccalaureate studies. Participating in second year of Peer Corps, and has organized three clothing drives for foster children as part of work for local center. Is undecided where she will attend college but intends to study international relations.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is important because sports themselves are not simply about who is the best, rather what you can learn from them. I have learned valuable life lessons from my sports that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life such as determination, perseverance, teamwork, integrity, and respect, along with so many others that have built up my character.”
Ella Spooner, Holland West Ottawa
Playing second season of varsity basketball and will play her fourth of varsity lacrosse this spring. Earned all-conference and individual academic all-state in lacrosse and helped basketball team to academic all-state honor. Named Michigan Youth Female Athlete of the Year at 2021 Meijer State Games. Will serve third season as lacrosse captain. Ranked first academically in class of 512 with 4.16 GPA, and participating in National Honor Society. Participating in third year of LINKS and second of Peer-to-Peer mentorship programs. Served as writer and editor of school’s newspaper and earned awards from Michigan Interscholastic Press Association and Scholastic. Served as assistant director for West Ottawa Broadcasting Network. Coached youth basketball and lacrosse, and volunteered in multiple other service efforts. Will attend Kalamazoo College and study biology on a pre-medical track.
Essay Quote: “Character is so important in life and can either drag you down or take you far. By teaching sportsmanship, it allows young athletes who are still growing and developing to build their character. Each part of being an excellent sportsman relates directly to more than just a sports game, but to the game of life itself.”
Greta VanZetten, Holland
Participated in four seasons of varsity swimming and will participate in fourth of track & field this spring. Earned all-conference in both sports and qualified 17 times for MHSAA Finals in swimming over four seasons. Served as co-captain of swim team as both junior and senior. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and voted head of school’s leadership pillar. Participating in second year of student senate and third year as part of school’s delegation to Youth in Government; also serving second year as part of Holland Youth Advisory Council’s environmental committee and as chairperson. Participating in third year of school choirs Vocal Dimensions and as president. Initiated Michigan Green School certification for Holland High and participating in third year with Students Helping Our Remarkable Earth club. Participating in second year of Academic WorldQuest and won regional competition and qualified for nationals as a junior. Is undecided where she will attend college but intends to double major in mathematics and gender and sexuality studies.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is about wanting the best for your competitors, as well as yourself. When everyone competes at the best of their ability, sports become truly fun. Educational athletics expand beyond winning and achievement. Learning about humility, equity, confidence, and collaboration are all lessons found in sportsmanship and encouraged though high school sports.”
Elzien Zomer, Holland
Playing third season of varsity basketball, swam three seasons on varsity and will play second season of varsity soccer this spring; also played junior varsity volleyball as a freshman. Earned all-area honors in basketball and served as team captain for basketball (varsity and JV), co-captain for swimming & diving team and captain for junior varsity volleyball. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and as part of leadership pillar, and serving third year as class representative in student government. Serving as school representative to county’s Student Leaders Initiating Change coalition. Participating in fourth year in school’s be nice. club. Served as youth soccer official for three years and community pool lifeguard. Will attend University of Michigan-Dearborn and study either biomedical engineering or physical therapy.
Essay Quote: “Attitude and respect are always a choice, every day, every play. A positive mindset and an encouraging attitude build strong athletes, but also build good role models for life. … We don’t all have the same intensity for sportsmanship, but we each have the tools to build character on and off the court. For me, this is the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics. The goal is to teach growth and understanding so that we can choose to put them into practice in our own lives.”
John Bungart, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Wrestling fourth varsity season and will play fourth season of varsity lacrosse in the spring. Also will compete in fourth season on rowing team. Served as captain of both wrestling and lacrosse teams. Earned all-state in lacrosse and all-league and all-country in wrestling. Carrying 4.07 GPA and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Summited second and third-highest peaks in United States as part of Boy Scouts. Has volunteered in multiple volunteer community service efforts including as part of Forgotten Harvest throughout high school. Has served as lifeguard throughout high school. Also has participated in church youth group all four years. Will attend Kalamazoo College and study biochemistry.
Essay Quote: “We speak with our mouths, and we hear with our ears. We also talk with our hands and listen with our eyes. We share with our faces and understand it in our hearts. When any of these cogs in the wheel fail, it can lead to confusion, knee-jerk responses, and chaos in its wake. Communication and mutual respect are the (epitomes) of sportsmanship in educational athletics.”
William Goelz, Petoskey
Competing in fourth season of varsity skiing and played two seasons of varsity tennis. Also played two subvarsity seasons of lacrosse and ran cross country as a freshman. Helped ski team to two Division 2 Finals championships and a runner-up finish, and earned multiple all-state honors. Earned academic all-state in skiing and tennis, and served as ski team captain. Earned AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Scholarship commended scholar designations. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and third on district’s Student Advisory Council. Has served all four years as part of Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee, including as foundation officer and board liaison, and is serving as PHSACF director as a senior. Participating in third year of key club and as vice president. Completed University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Global Youth Program Business Leadership Academy. Is undecided on where he will attend college and his future course of study.
Essay Quote: “Decades from now, what I will remember are great times spent with great teammates, a sentiment held impossible if not for the utmost sportsmanship within myself and amongst athletes. Not only does sportsmanship in educational athletics spark lifelong memories, it also establishes a careful precedent for sociability and professionalism beyond high school.”
Klay Grant, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
Ran four seasons of cross country and will participate in fourth of track & field this spring; also played varsity soccer as a freshman. Earned three Greater Muskegon cross country championships and finished eighth in Lower Peninsula Division 1 Final this past fall. Qualified for MHSAA Track & Field Finals in four events as a junior and earned all-conference. Served as captain of cross country and track teams. Served as student council freshman president and as trustee as a sophomore. Participating in third year of church’s children’s ministry and as student leader, and second year as church intern. Serving as student leader in third year participating on school’s IMPACT leadership team, and served as ambassador for Straight Talk About Tough Stuff coalition. Will attend Colorado Christian University and major in Biblical studies with an emphasis in languages.
Essay Quote: “I believe the integrity of sportsmanship is often downplayed. It is not only the heroic acts of sportsmanship in front of a big crowd, or when the cameras are on, but in the day-in-day-out monotony of relationships. I viewed this highly by encouraging each teammate after practices, telling them: "Nice job today, I'll see you tomorrow."
Colin Koot, Mason
Playing second season of varsity basketball and will play second of varsity baseball this spring, and played four seasons of varsity tennis. Helped tennis team qualify for MHSAA Finals all four seasons and earned all-conference in tennis and baseball. Helped baseball team to academic all-state award. Served as tennis team captain for three seasons. Participating in fourth year of Youth in Government and second as delegation leader, and received servant leadership award as sophomore. Participating in second year of National Honor Society. Participated in Future Farmers of America as a freshman and sophomore and won state championship in Greenhand Conduct of Meetings as a freshman and National Silver Award as a sophomore. Served as school newspaper sports editor-in-chief as a freshman and has umpired baseball throughout high school. Is undecided where he will attend college but intends to study biomedical engineering.
Essay Quote: “Overall, competitive sportsmanship is the most important facet of educational athletics. The ability for an individual to compete at a high level while maintaining good sportsmanship is crucial in transforming from a person who wins to a person who succeeds. Success is measured in many different ways, but a successful athlete understands that there is more to athletics than just the scoreboard.”
Brady Wright, Birmingham Seaholm
Competing in fourth season on varsity ski team and played four seasons of varsity tennis; also played junior varsity lacrosse as a freshman and sophomore. Reached MHSAA Finals flight semifinals as sophomore and junior. Earned all-state and all-state academic for tennis and all-region for ski, and earned multiple league Scholar-Athlete Awards for both sports. Served as team captain for both. Earned AP Scholar with Distinction and named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. Earned perfect score on ACT. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and third of National Science Honor Society. Participated in Science Olympiad as competitor and coach and founded high school team, and earned county and state placings. Playing fourth years in school marching and concert bands and served as clarinet section leader. Is undecided where he will attend college but intends to study chemical engineering.
Essay Quote: “Ultimately, what I learned is that the game and the competition is more important than winning a match at any cost. I have seen kids who struggle with losing and will do anything to win. Honor and integrity get thrown out the window to avoid a loss. … It is important to me that I am honest with myself – I play sports to push myself in ways that academics cannot. Cheating the game does not help you improve or build character.”
Neil Zhu, Detroit Catholic Central
Will play fourth season of varsity golf this spring and has helped team to runner-up and fourth-place finishes at Lower Peninsula Division 1 Finals. Earned all-state and is ranked among top players for his class in Michigan by American Junior Golf Association. Advanced to match play at Golf Association of Michigan 2021 Amateur Championship. Earned AP Scholar with Honor and National Merit Scholarship commended student designations. Participating in second year of National Honor Society tutoring program. Participating in fourth year of finance club and as vice president. Reached highest level of Michigan Music Teachers Association for piano and earned first and second-place finishes in state competition. Completed University of Michigan summer coding program. Volunteered in multiple community service efforts throughout high school. Served as youth leadership member for church as junior and senior. Will attend Swarthmore College (Pa.) and study computer science.
Essay Quote: “The sport of golf is a medium through which my accountability to my decisions and more importantly my accountability to my competitors and values is tested. Therefore, my integrity plays into the principle of accountability. Moreover, golf offers opportunities to meditate on choices which plays into the skill of decision making.”
Other Class A girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Amelia Weyhing, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Piper Barnhart, Brownstown Woodhaven; Sophia Lustig, Brownstown Woodhaven; Madison Hissong, Fraser; Brooke Myers, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern; Ana Todesco, Grosse Pointe North; Sonya Konon, Harrison Township L'Anse Creuse; Natalie Blake, Holland West Ottawa; Abigail Lueck, Livonia Churchill; Samantha Provenzano, Livonia Franklin; Erica Molnar, Livonia Stevenson; Laura Leiti, Midland Dow; Alexandria Stacy French, Richland Gull Lake; Kiera Hall, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek; Kate Meinecke, Royal Oak; Sara Schermerhorn, Traverse City West; and Hannah DiGiovanni, Troy Athens.
Other Class A boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Nathan Pawlowicz, Battle Creek Lakeview; Nathan Jerore, Brownstown Woodhaven; Colin Pearson, Caledonia; Joseph Marano, Dearborn Edsel Ford; Conner Bell, Detroit Catholic Central; Chase Gibson, Fenton; Nick Temple, Fenton; Ben Taylor, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central; Ross VanBlois, Grandville; Owen Swisher, Livonia Churchill; James Oberman, Livonia Franklin; Thomas Randall, Orchard Lake St Mary's; Blake Coy, Saline; Amod Talekar, Saline; Kaden Keller, St. Johns; Jake Lasceski, St. Johns; Ethan Tennant, Temperance Bedford; Michael T. Schermerhorn, Traverse City West; and Caiden Carlson, White Lake Lakeland.
The Class C and D scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 8, and the Class B honorees were announced Feb. 15.
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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 1.4 million spectators each year.