![](/sites/default/files/imported/Photos/180220_ClassA_2H.jpg)
Scholars & Athletes 2018: Class A
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 19, 2018
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
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 29th year of sponsoring the award, will give $1,000 college scholarships to 32 individuals who represent their member schools in at least one sport in which the Association sponsors a postseason tournament. The first 30 scholarships are awarded proportionately by school classification and the number of student-athletes involved in those classes; also, there are two at-large honorees who can come from any classification.
Students applying for the Scholar-Athlete Award must be carrying at least a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average and have previously won a letter in a varsity sport in which the Michigan High School Athletic Association sponsors a postseason tournament. Other requirements for the applicants were to show active participation in other school and community activities and produce an essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.
Each of the scholarship recipients will be honored at a halftime ceremony during the Class C Boys Basketball Final game March 24 at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Commemorative medallions will be given to the finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.
The Class A Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are Talia N. Edmonds, Kalamazoo Central; Anna Fischer, St. Joseph; Kendall Jordan, Rochester; Olivia Perkins, Farmington Hills Harrison; Lauren Sickmiller, Grosse Pointe North; Grace VanArendonk, Muskegon Mona Shores; Megan Worrel, Troy; Danny deForest, Holland West Ottawa; Cole Johnson, Rockford; Paul Cheng McKinley, Okemos; Aditya Middha, Midland Dow; Kobie Mueller, Ann Arbor Huron; David Paquette, Petoskey; and Nicholas Weigle, Grandville.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class A Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Talia Naomi Edmonds, Kalamazoo Central
Played four years of varsity basketball and volleyball and will play her fourth of varsity softball this spring; also participated in subvarsity track & field as a sophomore. Captained all three varsity teams and helped basketball team to three District and one Regional title during her first three seasons. Earned all-league honors in volleyball and softball and all-region in volleyball while her team was named academic all-state. Also is an accomplished beach volleyball player and has trained in budo taijutsu form of martial arts. Participating in second year of National Honor Society, fourth as part of KZOO Leaders and tutors elementary school math students in addition to participating in various volunteer efforts. Served as coach and mentor for middle school volleyball teams. Will attend Michigan State University and study geonomics and molecular genetics.
Essay Quote: “One of the lessons my parents shared with me was to focus on things I can control, and not people, the environment or things I cannot control. These situations have provided me opportunities to educate others through my actions. Often these individuals would speak out of ignorance what I believe to be a display of poor sportsmanship; hopefully by our passion for the game it will facilitate a learning lesson on the common ground of competition.”
Anna Fischer, St. Joseph
Ran four years of cross country and played four of varsity basketball, and will become the first girl in school history to earn 12 letters when she competes in track & field again this spring. Captained basketball and cross country teams and earned all-state and academic all-state honors in all three sports. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and has been named National Merit Commended Scholar. Earned silver prize in Whirlpool Art Competition, a Kalamazoo Institute of Art design competition scholarship and multiple gold keys and honorable mentions from the national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Participating in fourth year of Rotary Interact Club and as part of the International Committee. Selected as one of 10 St. Joseph students to serve on the inaugural Advanced Leadership Council. Will attend the University of Notre Dame and study engineering.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is about embracing the competition – it represents the heart and soul of the game itself. The most rewarding aspect of sporting competitions is to be able to share your passion and demonstrate your hard work against others who have also worked hard to be the best. Acknowledging another’s success, having played fairly and with integrity, is the perfect conclusion to a hard-fought contest.
Kendall Jordan, Rochester
Competed in varsity swimming & diving for four years and will play her fourth season of varsity lacrosse this spring. Captained both teams and earned academic all-state in both sports. Also earned all-state honors in lacrosse and competed in three MHSAA Swimming & Diving Finals. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and second of National Social Studies Honor Society. Collected 150 pounds of lacrosse gear, clothing and supplies to distribute in Jamaica, where she volunteered as part of Fields of Growth. Organized a meal that fed 130 children as part of Power Company Kids Club of Pontiac, among additional volunteer efforts. Serving as class ambassador and as part of school’s Captains Club. Earned her school’s Falcon of Distinction Award and was a nominee for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Will attend Butler University and study health care business and international relations.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is upheld when competitors remember that athletes, coaches and officials are people first. People should be treated with kindness and respect despite any circumstances of a game. Simple acts of sportsmanship promote positive play and increase the chances of respect being reciprocated by whom we compete with and against.”
Olivia Perkins, Farmington Hills Harrison
Played four seasons of varsity basketball and two of varsity volleyball, and one each of varsity soccer and tennis. Earned all-league and all-county honors in basketball and all-city in volleyball while finishing as a league runner-up in track; also earned league scholar-athlete honors in multiple sports and captained her junior varsity volleyball team. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and earned an academic letter based on high grade-point average. Serving first year in student government as a Senior Board officer and as a freshman played first chair bass in school’s concert orchestra. Participating in first year of Health Occupations Students of America and fourth for Hawk Help peer tutoring program, and has participated four years in Breast Cancer “Race for a Cure.” Created school’s girls basketball camp with proceeds going to team’s boosters and Harrison athletic department. Will attend Cornell University and study biology on a pre-veterinary track.
Essay Quote: “While winning is a marvelous feeling, I’ve grown the most thorough the multitude of losses that I’ve experienced over the years. Losing has allowed me to reflect on myself, and try to come out of a game with new and more developed insight of the team.”
Lauren Sickmiller, Grosse Pointe North
Ran four years of varsity cross country and will play her fourth of varsity soccer and participate in fourth of track & field this spring. Earned all-league honors in all three sports, all-District in soccer and all-region in cross country and track. Captained cross country team and earned academic all-state in that sport; also earned scholar athlete recognition in all three sports. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and named AP Scholar with Distinction. Carries weighted 4.35 grade-point average and achieved high scores on four Advanced Placement exams. Earned recognition for French speaking ability from local Alliance Française. Participated three years in student government and is in her first as part of Women In Leadership Leading Our World. Participating in second year of Athletic Council and serves as a math tutor. Is unsure where she will attend college but intends to study pre-medical in hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Essay Quote: “While many may perceive sportsmanship as merely shaking hands with the opponent and refraining from acting in an obscene manner in games, matches or races, I know it is something much greater. Sportsmanship stems from providing a positive example for teammates and spectators, especially in the face of adversity.”
Grace VanArendonk, Muskegon Mona Shores
Participated in four years of competitive cheer, four of sideline cheer and four of powerlifting. Captained competitive cheer team two seasons and earned multiple all-state and academic all-state honors, leading team to league, District and Regional titles. Won state championship in powerlifting from Michigan High School Power Lifting Association. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and has served as a cabinet member. Won school’s Argonaut Award with 4.0 grade-point average. Participating in fourth year of choir that was featured on multiple television networks for “World’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree.” Coached middle school cheer and as part of Mona Shores Youth Club. Participated in church band and Vacation Bible School and contributed during mission trips to Alaska and New Jersey. Will attend either Michigan State University or Western Michigan University and study nursing while participating in a military ROTC program.
Essay Quote: “High school athletics truly is a different type of classroom. There is no letter grade or final exam. The real test comes when an athlete walks off the court, field or mat into the game of life. Every dimension of my life will be influenced by the sportsmanship lessons I have learned and continue to learn in the classroom of high school athletics.”
Megan Worrel, Troy
Ran three seasons of varsity cross country and will participate in her fourth of varsity track & field; also played two seasons of subvarsity volleyball. Earned all-state and academic all-state in cross country and track & field and captained both teams. Helped cross country team to Lower Peninsula Division 1 championship in the fall and owns multiple school track records. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and third of Project LEAD and She’s the First. Serves as Project LEAD webmaster and She’s the First treasurer, computer club president and was a student government class representative as a freshman. Earned President’s Volunteer Service Bronze Award. Helped DECA team to state championship and international competition medal and Chinese Quiz Bowl team to multiple top placings. Will attend University of Michigan and study computer science.
Essay Quote: “I don’t race against competitors but rather with a community of runners. Instead of facing stress from competition, I know that my herd will support me – I just need to worry about keeping up. Having good sportsmanship creates an atmosphere where the only anxiety is doing our best. This allows for all of us to move forward as a group instead of trying to hold others back.”
Danny deForest, Holland West Ottawa
Played two seasons of varsity basketball and three of varsity soccer; also played one season of junior varsity lacrosse. Helped basketball team to league and District championships and captained soccer and basketball teams. Earned all-league and all-District recognition in soccer. Serves on MHSAA Student Advisory Council. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and has carried a 4.0 grade-point average for three consecutive years. Serving fourth year as Greater Holland Area Young Life student leader and second as a Peer Assisted Listener mentoring at-risk and special needs students. Volunteered in various other efforts including in community development in Thailand as part of Step Ahead. Served as youth basketball official and trained future referees. Is undecided where he will attend college but intends to study business marketing.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is when an individual has such a deep love for a game that he or she plays in a way to help all members participating experience the same passion. … Being sportsmanlike is important because it has an immense power to positively influence those involved. At that moment I stopped competing just for myself and began using athletics as my way to be a role model.”
Cole Johnson, Rockford
Ran four years of varsity cross country and will participate in his fourth of track & field this spring; also played two seasons of junior varsity basketball. Earned all-state three times in cross country, leading his team to two MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 1 championships, and earned seven all-state honors in track & field. Served as captain of both varsity teams. Participating in second year of National Honor Society, and earned academic letters all four years. Serving fourth year on student council and as president, and fourth year with school’s Renaissance Club for which he’s served as organizer of a number of activities. Attended multiple Jostens Renaissance national conferences and is organizing the largest canned food drive in school history. Also participates in his church’s youth group. Will attend University of Michigan and study mechanical engineering.
Essay Quote: “People who share the same passions have so much in common, and running is a clarifying example. Runners push their bodies to the limit, run through the heat and snow and are probably all a little bit crazy. Because of these common bonds, an underlying respect for every single runner is prevalent throughout cross country.”
Paul Cheng McKinley, Okemos
Ran four years of varsity cross country and will participate in his fourth of track & field this spring. Earned conference championships and all-state honors in both, and also earned academic all-state. Captained both teams for three seasons. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and as president, and named National Merit Scholar semifinalist. Also serving second years on Okemos Student Athlete Advisory Council and Freshman Connect, and as captain of the latter. Plays as trumpet section leader in symphonic wind ensemble. Serving fourth year in school’s A.C.T.I.O.N. volunteer program and served four as a Gifted & Talented youth mentor for community summer writing camp. Tutors in both math and French and served two years as a youth track coach. Is unsure what he will study, but will attend Pomona College in California.
Essay Quote: “Sometimes it’s a ‘My bad,’ murmured after a bumped elbow or a glancing spike nick. Other times it’s a ‘Watch out!’ when running through a particularly hazardous patch of mud and roots. … Hearing those whispers reminds me that the athletes competing against me have put in just as much work as I have and are working just as hard as I am. … Those whispers, exchanged between ragged breaths despite immense fatigue, are the highest level of respect I know in the sport.”
Aditya Middha, Midland Dow
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, helping his team to the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 2 championship in 2016 and runner-up finish in the fall. Earned a Finals No. 1 doubles flight championship as a junior and runner-up finishes at No. 4 singles as a sophomore and No. 1 doubles this past fall. Earned Regional and league championships all four seasons and served as team captain the last two. Also earned all-state honors the last two and all-league the last four. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and as chapter secretary, and fourth year of DECA and as president for club that qualified for international competition multiple times. Earned A.H. Nickless Award of $45,000 including a $20,000 STEM grant for his school, and selected for competitive Michigan State University STEM Scholars research in 2017. Named AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Scholar semifinalist. Served as 4-H outdoor camp youth director the last two years and Midland County Youth Leadership segment coordinator for two years. Will attend University of Michigan and study engineering.
Essay Quote: “I’ve learned that sportsmanship is not something that can mastered by studiously analyzing a textbook or listening intently to a lecture. Instead, it is grasped through a multitude of individual experiences in which we learn how to handle not only the actions of ourselves, but of our opponents too.”
Kobie Mueller, Ann Arbor Huron
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, at No. 2 singles all four, and helped team to the 2016 MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 1 title. Earned individual all-state honors three times and helped team to four Regional and league championships while also earning four individual titles at both levels. Served as team co-captain in the fall. Participating in second year of National Honor Society. Named National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction. Participating in second year of Business Professionals of America club and helped team to state championship and national top-10 finish. Participating in third year of key club and as a math and computer science tutor. Participating in third year of school’s computer science club, and as president, and second year as a workshop director at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Earned top-10 finish at University of Michigan-Dearborn programming competition. Is undecided where he will attend college, but will study engineering.
Essay Quote: “I remembered thinking to myself that this was what high school athletics is all about: giving your best effort and sharing together with teammates while displaying good sportsmanship. I believe these high school tennis team experiences have helped prepare me to face any challenges ahead with grace and integrity.”
David Paquette, Petoskey
Participated in four seasons of varsity skiing and two full seasons of varsity soccer after moving up from junior varsity during his sophomore year. Helped his skiing team to MHSAA Division 2 championships his first three seasons and helped the soccer team to three District titles. Earned all-state honors multiple seasons in both sports and served as captain of both teams. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and as a board member, participating in a variety of volunteer efforts. Played in school marching band and steel drum band all four years of high school. Helped marching band to various top finishes including Class A Grand Champion awards all four years and Best Percussion Awards in all competitions all four years; serving as tenor drum line section leader as a senior. Participating in second year of Substance Abuse Free Environment of Northern Michigan and last summer attended Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America mid-year Youth Leadership Training Conference. Also participating as math/science delegate on Quiz Bowl team for second year. Will attend either University of Michigan or Northwestern University and study computer science and economics.
Essay Quote: “Kids take note. And they happen to be master imitators. Sportsmanship is important because it is impactful not only on how today’s game is played, but also tomorrow’s.”
Nicholas Weigle, Grandville
Competed four seasons on varsity swimming & diving and water polo teams and will play his third season of varsity lacrosse this spring. Earned all-state honors in swimming and holds school record as part of 200-yard freestyle relay. Served as co-captain of swimming & diving and water polo teams. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and named National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction. Earned two academic letters, anticipating a third this spring. Participated in Boy Scouts all four years of high school and earned Eagle Scout rank in 2016 and membership in Order of the Arrow. Also played all four years as part of school’s jazz, symphonic and marching bands. Participated four years in Young Life and as part of church’s youth group including as contributor on three mission trips. Served two years as parks and recreation lifeguard. Will attend Hope College and study pre-medical.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship ultimately comes down to treating others fairly and with kindness, whether between rivals battling for the win or teammates supporting each other while competing for limited spots. The situations I have been in where I encountered sportsmanship, or lack thereof, have left an impression on me that will help me make the best decisions going forward.”
Other Class A girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Susannah Deems, East Grand Rapids; Kendall Dillon, Northville; Kelly Ann Giles, East Kentwood; Roan Haines, Northville; Samantha Hild, Holly; Karlyn Kelley, Rochester; Meghan Monaghan, Troy; Anushka Murthy, Okemos; Jenna Norgrove, Rochester; Maria Poortenga, Grand Rapids Christian; Breanna Probst, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central; Hallie C. Roman, Port Huron Northern; Emily Rooney, Birmingham Seaholm; Tess Scheidel, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg; Julie Smith, Walled Lake Northern; Sarah Van Dyke, Grand Rapids Christian; and Maggie Wood, Battle Creek Lakeview.
Other Class A boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Joseph Corner, Holt; Anthony G. DeKraker, Saline; Aidan Delfuoco, Saline; Ben Forstner, East Grand Rapids; Nathan Frazier, Warren Cousino; Hunter Gandee, Temperance Bedford; Adam Good, Auburn Hills Avondale; Anthony Joseph, DeWitt; Anthony Kim, Grand Blanc; William Marano, Dearborn Edsel Ford; Michael Robert Melaragni, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek; Reagan Miller, Saline; Luke Rambo, Marquette; Nick Seidel, West Bloomfield; Yzrael Silguero, Holland; Emmett Turner, Saline; and Jacob Willemsen, Byron Center.
The Class B scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 13. Class C and D honorees were announced Feb. 6.
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.
![210223_SA_2H](/sites/default/files/2021-02/210223_SA_2H.png)
Scholars & Athletes 2021: Class A
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 23, 2021
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 32nd year of sponsoring the award, will give $1,000 college scholarships to 32 individuals who represent their member schools in at least one sport in which the Association sponsors a postseason tournament. The first 30 scholarships are awarded proportionately by school classification and the number of student-athletes involved in those classes; also, there are two at-large honorees who can come from any classification.
Students applying for the Scholar-Athlete Award must be carrying at least a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average and have previously won a letter in a varsity sport in which the Michigan High School Athletic Association sponsors a postseason tournament. Other requirements for the applicants were to show active participation in other school and community activities and produce an essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.
Each of the scholarship recipients will be honored during an online ceremony later this winter. Commemorative medallions will be given to the finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.
The Class A Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Michaela Castle, Ionia; Audrey DaDamio, Birmingham Seaholm; Iris Hwang, Mount Pleasant; Madeline Kohler, Grosse Pointe North; Laura O’Brien, Ann Arbor Skyline; Emily Song, Canton; Zoe Ziegler, Okemos; Aidan Eichman, Portage Central; Lawrence Gilliam, Detroit U-D Jesuit; Jacob Harris, Grosse Pointe South; Troy Pratley, St. Joseph; Caleb Qiu, Midland Dow; Liam Smith, Rockford; and Maxwell Werner, Traverse City 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.)
Michaela Castle, Ionia
Played two seasons of varsity volleyball, is playing her second of varsity basketball and will play her fourth of varsity softball this spring. Earned all-league recognition in volleyball and softball and all-league academic honors multiple seasons. Captained teams in all three sports. Participating in fourth years of student council and National Honor Society, serving as senior student body president and NHS secretary. Also served as secretary of Ionia Athletic Advisory Committee and Ionia County Youth Advisory Council. Participating in fourth years of county youth council and school Principal’s Student Advisory Committee. Participated in four years of debate and forensics and captained both teams. Placed among top five at debate state finals and competed in national competition. Played four years in school’s jazz, symphonic and marching band. Will attend University of Michigan and study political science.
Essay Quote: “The thing I love about athletics, is that while they involve winning or losing, they are also a basis for growth. When a team or individual wins, it reflects the hard work they put in for that growth. When a team or individual loses, it teaches them where to grow so that they may get back up and try again. Thus, win or lose, an athlete grows. Without that respect for your opponents and for the game however, one cannot have respect for oneself and one simply cannot grow.”
Audrey DaDamio, Birmingham Seaholm
Ran four seasons of varsity cross country and will run her fourth of varsity track & field this spring. Earned all-state in cross country three seasons including as champion in Lower Peninsula Division 1 this past fall. Made MHSAA Finals six times in track and earned three all-state finishes. Also earned academic all-state honors multiple seasons in both sports and captained cross country team. Named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and earned AP Scholar with Distinction. Participating in second years of National Honor Society and National Chinese Honor Society, and served as chapter co-founder and vice president for latter. Playing fourth year as part of school’s marching band and third year as part of symphony, earning 1 and 2 ratings in district competition and serving as marching band section captain. Participating in fourth year of forensics and qualified for state competition as a sophomore. Will attend Stanford University and study human biology.
Essay Quote: “(Sportsmanship) also fosters confidence – without being overly focused on beating opponents, athletes are able to enjoy the process of competition instead of fixating on whether they win or lose. When I cross the finish line, the pride I feel for my performance is independent of where I finish in relation to my competitors. As long as I put forth my best effort, I’m happy with the result.”
Iris Hwang, Mount Pleasant
Ran four years of varsity cross country and participated in three years of varsity track & field, and will play her third season of varsity tennis this spring – which included playing on the boys team as a junior. Served as captain of cross country and track teams and earned all-conference and all-academic recognition in both of those sports. Carries 4.37 GPA and is top-ranked student in graduating class. Participating in fourth year of student senate and served as class president and executive board president. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and served as junior representative and chapter vice president. Participating in fourth year of Business Professionals of America and earned multiple regional championships and state conference third place. Participating in school service club for fourth year and has served as chair of community outreach. Participated in research program at Central Michigan University and Emerging Rural Leaders program at University of Chicago. Is undecided where she will attend college but intends to study economics.
Essay Quote: “(Sportsmanship) blurs the line between competitiveness and humanity, connecting an athlete to her team, her supporters, and herself. Sportsmanship is understanding between one and another, treating others how we wish to be treated ourselves. It also is a necessity to treating ourselves with the respect we deserve …”
Madeline Kohler, Grosse Pointe North
Playing fourth season of varsity basketball and will play her third season of varsity soccer this spring. Earned multiple all-conference and all-state honorable mention honors in basketball and helped that team to multiple league and District titles and a Regional championship and MHSAA Semifinals appearance in 2018. Earned all-league scholar-athlete honors in both sports and academic all-state in basketball, and captained basketball team. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and also second years of Link Crew and Interact Club, and provided mentorship and tutoring through a variety of roles. Played in school’s concert band as freshman and served as section co-leader. Served as official for youth soccer throughout high school. Is undecided where she will attend college, but intends to study nursing.
Essay Quote: “Now, this is what sportsmanship means to me – the continuous appreciation and respect for others no matter the circumstances and the sacrifices you make for one another … . Due to this idea, I have been made aware of its importance most specifically because it establishes a set of morals within all individuals, not just athletes. For me, it has made me become more optimistic, a better student and human being, more giving, and in school it has allowed me to be more cooperative within a group and have more respect for everyone around me.”
Laura O’Brien, Ann Arbor Skyline
Ran four seasons of varsity cross country and will participate in her fourth of track & field this spring. Ran in two MHSAA Finals for cross country and also qualified for MHSAA Finals for track and earned all-region in that sport. Earned academic all-state honors in both and helped both teams to all-academic awards. Served as cross country captain this past season. Participating in second years of National Honor Society and Freeman Environmental Education Youth Council, and drafted mission statement and future projects among other leadership duties with latter. Participated in University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability climate change workshops and presented on PFAS in local waterways at 2019 Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition community forum. Performing for fourth year in school choirs and this year as part of virtual state honors choir. Serving as website designer and administrator as co-founder of virtual tutoring program. In undecided where she will attend college, but intends to study environmental science.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is a core value of athletics. It is only through the application of sportsmanship to one’s athletic career that a sport can truly and deeply be appreciated. Most athletes want to win and be recognized for their hard work, but the greatest athletes are those who work towards their personal goals while being cognizant of the hard work of their competitors.”
Emily Song, Canton
Participating in varsity swimming & diving and will play her second season of varsity tennis this spring. Earned scholar-athlete honors in both sports and served as captain of tennis and club soccer teams and as new player ambassador for tennis team. Ranked number one academically in graduating class, participating in fourth year of district’s STEM academy, and earned AP Scholar with Distinction and selected to National Honor Society. Earned highest level and ratings in piano and saxophone in Michigan Music Teachers Association student achievement testing. Performed various dance styles over 12 years including in competition, and served as team choreographer. Participating in fourth year of Asian Pacific American Club and served as Association of Chinese Americans summer camp counselor. Served as soccer official and youth coach throughout high school. Participating in fourth years of Key Club and GET-IT cyberstart club. Teaches/tutors in math and English, and instructed students in Wuhan, China, during COVID-19. Will attend University of Michigan and study computer science.
Essay Quote: “Amidst the messages that I have learned through school and my coaches, the repetitive message ‘treat others like how (you) would want to be treated’ truly has a prevalent role in sports. However, in sports, this message has a distinctive meaning. In athletics, we have sportsmanship instead of this message; there is a moral code when competing against opponents, yes even against your biggest rival.”
Zoe Ziegler, Okemos
Ran three seasons of varsity cross country and will play fourth season of varsity lacrosse this spring. Earned multiple all-state honors in lacrosse and academic all-conference in both sports, and served as captain of lacrosse team multiple seasons. Played for China U-19 national lacrosse team at 2019 World Championships. Served as youth lacrosse coach, earning Level 2 certification from US Lacrosse. Attained third-degree black belt in taekwondo. Earned AP Scholar with Distinction and selected to National Honor Society. Participating in fourth year of student council, having served as class vice president three years and student body vice president this year. Founded and served as president of Literature Club. Participating in Science Olympiad for third year. Participating in fourth year of A.C.T.I.O.N. service group. Will attend Grand Valley State University and study behavioral neuroscience.
Essay Quote: “Those who raise us – parents, grandparents, teachers, and pastors – teach us the basic principles of sportsmanship at a young age. However, school-based sports provide us with arguably our first chance at internalizing these ideals as our own. Only you and your teammates are on the field. Coaches are on the sidelines, and parents are in the stands. We have the sole responsibility for the manner in which we choose to competitively engage with each other on and off the field – an opportunity provided to us by athletics.”
Aidan Eichman, Portage Central
Will play his third season of varsity baseball this spring and played freshman and junior varsity basketball. Earned all-league in baseball and helped team to academic all-state honor; also helped baseball team to league title as a sophomore. Served as captain of subvarsity baseball and basketball teams and travel baseball team. Participating in second year of National Honor Society, and also second year in school’s performing arts/theater program. Serving as student advisory board member for Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center and has been active in a variety of KAMSC programs throughout high school including as part of cybersecurity team, research team in conjunction with Western Michigan University, and computer science programming team. Earned KAMSC AP Computer Science-A Book Award, named co-champion of American Computer Science League classroom division and earned USA Computing Olympiad silver medal. Helped cybersecurity team to sixth place in state competition. Founded and participated in school tutoring program and KAMSC study table, and also served as part of tutoring program for students in New York City during COVID-19. Is undecided where he’ll attend college but intends to study computer science.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is the glue that permanently holds together ‘student-athlete’ puzzle pieces of different sizes, shapes, and purposes. … It connects nearly 300,000 student athletes in Michigan without regard for their various socioeconomic, educational, or personal circumstances.”
Lawrence Gilliam, Detroit U-D Jesuit
Will participate in his fourth season of varsity track & field this spring and also ran junior varsity cross country as a freshman. Earned all-county and all-league honors and served as both captain and team chaplain in track & field. Earned College Board National African American Recognition Award and cum laude on National Latin Exam. Participating in National Honor Society and fourth year of student senate. Participating in fourth year as part of school’s Black Awareness Society for Education and third in Detroit Kappa League, and served on BASE executive board. Played in school symphonic band throughout high school and served as president and section leader. Co-founded and participating in second year of school’s be nice. mental health awareness program. Participating in second year of University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Enriching Academics in Collaboration with High Schools (MREACH) program. Is undecided where he will attend college but intends to study finance and business management.
Essay Quote: “At an early age, I learned about the team line-up following my first T-ball game, giving me early exposure to the concept of sportsmanship. The ceremonial process of shaking hands taught me how to honor the sporting experience with not only my teammates, but with competitors as well, no matter the outcome. These activities taught me how to transition beyond the activity by fostering an environment to raise the spirits of others.”
Jacob Harris, Grosse Pointe South
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, is playing second of varsity basketball and will play second of varsity baseball this spring. Made MHSAA Finals and earned multiple all-state honors in tennis. Earned all-state academic in baseball and served as varsity captain in all three sports. Carries GPA above 4.0 and twice was medalist on National Spanish Exam. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and LINK Crew and serving as vice president of student pep club. Serving as editor-in-chief in fourth year on staff of student newspaper, and also has participated in DECA throughout high school. Served as youth tennis instructor for three years of high school. Serving second year as student mentor assisting those with academic struggles, and fourth year as part of peer-to-peer program assisting students with disabilities. Designed and distributed bracelets to raise funds for local suicide prevention foundation. Is undecided where he will attend college, but intends to study international relations.
Essay Quote: “Good sportsmanship is contagious. What I saw my freshman year was instilled in me to the point that I had no hesitation to replicate it as an upperclassman myself. In a sport like tennis, sportsmanship is everything. Line calls, rooting on your teammates, and being a team player are all examples of the daily calling for good sportsmanship each player answers.”
Troy Pratley, St. Joseph
Played three seasons of varsity football, playing second of varsity basketball and will play his third of varsity baseball this spring. Earned all-league in football and tied or broke multiple school records in leading teams to two playoff appearances. Served as captain of all three varsity teams. Participating in National Honor Society and third year of student government, and participated two years in be nice. mental health awareness program and Student Leaders Initiating Change group. Participated in choir throughout high school, earning 1 ratings for solo and ensemble, and sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Participating in second year of Interact Club and served as membership director. Served as youth sports official and public address announcer. Nominated to represent state at U.S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis All-American Program’s Battles Won Academy. Will attend Concordia University Chicago and study special education.
Essay Quote: “If you ask a group of middle schoolers and a group of high schoolers about sportsmanship, you will get very similar answers. Because most of the time kids think of it as something they HAVE to do and not something they CHOOSE to do. In my eyes, it's a choice about how I will be seen and the legacy I will leave.”
Caleb Qiu, Midland Dow
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, earning all-state honors and serving as team captain. Earned four flight Regional titles as part of four Regional championship teams, and helped 2018 team to runner-up finish in Lower Peninsula Division 2. Also helped team to all-state academic recognition. Trained in taekwondo throughout high school and earned red belt (2nd Kup). Named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and AP Scholar. Published COVID-19 exposure notification app on Google/Apple stores. Participating in fourth years with robotics team and school’s symphony and honors orchestras. Earned all-state in orchestra as 1st violinist and placed first in quartet state competition. Served as programming co-lead and student director on robotics team’s non-profit board and was named FIRST Robotics FTC Young Mentor Award runner-up. Founded and served as team leader on school’s Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam that earned national grant award. Made finals of U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad. Participating in second years of National Honor Society and math team, and helped latter to state final. Is unsure where he will attend college but intends to study computer science.
Essay Quote: “I view sportsmanship as rising above the intensity and competitive nature of the sport to value your opponent first and foremost, as your peer and fellow passionate competitor. My goal for a match extends beyond winning or even improving my technique. I want to get to know my opponents.”
Liam Smith, Rockford
Participating in fourth season of varsity swimming & diving. Competed on U.S. Paralympics Swimming national Emerging and C teams. Earned silver and four bronze medals at 2019 Parapan American Games, has won nine national championships, owns an Americas and world para swimming record and 24 U.S. Paralympic national records. Earned six Para All-America honors from National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association, and three scholastic All-America awards. Served as club team captain. Participated in Boy Scouts throughout high school; attained Eagle Scout and named to Order of the Arrow national honor society. Served as assistant patrol leader and earned Presidential Service Award three years. Participating in National Honor Society and second year as part of peer listening group with school counseling department. Participated two years on student council. Is undecided where he will attend college, but intends to study computer science.
Essay Quote: “Imagine living life the height of a 10-year-old while competing against peers over 6-feet tall. That is my perspective as a person with hypochondroplasia, a type of dwarfism which affects one in 180,000 births. Being the shortest in my high school of 2,400+ students, I have learned to look at life differently. I have been given athletic opportunities sometimes because of my short stature and sometimes despite of it. To me, sportsmanship is a reaction and a choice that defines a person’s character.”
Maxwell Werner, Traverse City Central
Played three seasons of varsity soccer, skied four seasons on varsity and will participate in his third of varsity track & field this spring. Earned all-league and all-District honors in soccer, all-league and all-region in skiing and competed at multiple MHSAA Ski Finals and helped 2018 team to Division 1 runner-up finish. Earned academic all-state recognition in skiing. Served as team captain of ski and soccer teams. Participating in third years of National Honor Society and Students for Environmental Activism club, and served as chair of fundraising committee for latter. Named Student Environmentalist of the Year by Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council. Owns and operates bike-powered neighborhood composting business. Earned honorable mention at SciMaTech Symposium. Participated throughout high school with Notre Liderato youth-focused advocacy organization and served as vice president, as well as counselor at summer bike camps throughout high school. Played in school orchestra throughout high school. Is undecided where he will attend college, but intends to study environmental engineering.
Essay Quote: “With opportunities for everyone to participate, the interactions between athletes both on the field and in the classroom are critical to character development and healthy relationships. Although sportsmanship is usually thought of as interactions between teams, I believe its most important aspect does not fall into this category, but rather is demonstrated through the impact that teams have on individuals.”
Other Class A girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Addison Bruwer, Lowell; Alexa Downey, Grosse Pointe South; Regina Duerst, Saline; Kennedy Dumas, Holland West Ottawa; Charity Dundas, Lapeer; Sadie Freisthler, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Catelyn Gagnier, Grosse Pointe North; Sadie Gerlach, Dearborn Edsel Ford; Jane C. Heystek, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix; Alyssa M. Karner, Holland West Ottawa; Sarah Liederbach, Petoskey; Megan Lorenzo, Rochester; Tatiana Mason, Grand Ledge; Emma Muir, Lapeer; Katherine Potter, South Lyon; Grace Ann Whipple, Mason; and Samantha Yamin, Bloomfield Hills.
Other Class A boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Jack Eiden, Portage Northern; Brendan Evert, Sterling Heights; Daniel Forsythe, Mount Pleasant; Charles Frank, Dearborn; Kyle Hamlin, Hartland; Jonathan Holland, Walled Lake Western; Kameron Karp, Marquette; Michael Kim, Ann Arbor Huron; Matthew Kozma, Detroit Catholic Central; Michael MacDonald, Grand Haven; Thomas MacDonald, Grand Haven; Chase R. Mahabir, Midland; Alex Mooney, Orchard Lake St. Mary's; Ryan Royston, Traverse City Central; Drew Seabase, Traverse City Central; Grant Uyl, DeWitt; and Ethan Vander Roest, Traverse City Central.
The Class C and D scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 9, and the Class B honorees were announced Feb. 16.
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.