![](/sites/default/files/imported/Photos/200217_SAA_2H.jpg)
Scholars & Athletes 2020: Class A
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 17, 2020
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected 12 student-athletes from Class A member schools to receive scholarships through the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award program.
Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 31st 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 Division 3 Boys Basketball Final, March 28, at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Commemorative medallions will be given to the finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.
The Class A Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Ericka Asmus, Marquette; Lucy Borski, Holland West Ottawa; Morgan Cooper, Hartland; Kylie Ray, Pinckney; Elizabeth Saunders, Traverse City Central; Kayla Wolma, Hudsonville; Logan Canada, Fenton; DJ Dixon, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice; Malcolm Gaynor, Portage Northern; Tej Kothari, Jenison; Brandon Liu, Northville; and Anish Middha, Midland Dow.
Ericka Asmus, Marquette
Ran four seasons of cross country and participated in track & field as a freshman. Finished runner-up at Upper Peninsula Division 1 Cross Country Final twice and as league champion in that sport three seasons. Also is a three-time participant in Nordic skiing Junior Nationals. Served as team captain in cross country and earned academic all-state three years. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and school’s environmental club, serving as co-president of the environmental club for the second year. Spoke on environmental issues at Lake Superior Youth Symposium and Northern Michigan University Climate Strike. Also participates in math club and volunteered two years on local farm. Finalizing her college plans but intends to study materials engineering.
Essay Quote: “Far too often, not just in sports but in life, I see people forgetting the things they have in common with their ‘enemy.’ I’ve heard coaches yell ‘The Marquette girl looks terrible; you can pass her,’ degrading me to lift their runners up. I have learned from my running coach that competing is only worth it when I see my opponents as fellow humans, rather than people to defeat.”
Lucy Borski, Holland West Ottawa
Playing third season of varsity basketball, played three of varsity golf and will play her fourth of varsity soccer this spring. Earned all-area honors in soccer and golf and was part of academic all-state team honors in all three sports. Captained both golf and basketball teams and serves as member of Student Athlete Leadership Council. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and fourth as part of school’s LINKS mentorship program. Participated three years in Young Life. Serving as coach for youth basketball and soccer and First Tee golf school chapter, and also officiates youth hoops and served two years as site supervisor for Holland Charter Township baseball park. Serving as fundraiser and co-host for school’s “Senior Survivor” program that raises money for students in need. Finalizing her college plans but intends to study biology.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship during games is important, but it is more important off the field or the court. … Sometimes while watching/playing sports the only thing that matters at that moment is whether you win or lose. However, it comes down to being just a game.”
Morgan Cooper, Hartland
Participating in fourth season of competitive cheer and also has participated in four of sideline cheer. Will play third season of varsity lacrosse this spring. Earned all-league and all-region honors in competitive cheer and served as captain of both cheer teams. Helped competitive cheer team to MHSAA Finals in 2019 and lacrosse team to three Regional championships including after joining varsity for postseason as freshman. Earned academic all-state recognition every year of high school and served as part of student leadership group and representative to Kensington Lakes Activities Association Leadership Summit. Participating in third year of National Honor Society and second of student council. Also participated on school Honor Guard for 2019 graduation ceremony and this school year and is part of promotion team for school’s Special Olympics Project Unified program. Previously participated in 4-H, earning awards in animal showmanship, writing and photography, and earned a Bronze Award in Girls Scouts. Will attend University of Michigan and study biochemistry in pursuit of a career in oncology.
Essay Quote: “The concepts of being a good sportsman apply on and off the field, during practices, and ultimately in everyday life. Whether you are the best on the field, or the most energetic on the bench, each person plays a critical role in team success.”
Kylie Ray, Pinckney
Played three seasons of varsity volleyball and will participate in fourth of track & field this spring. Earned all-region recognition in both sports and qualified for MHSAA Finals in track as a junior. Helped track team to league championship. Earned individual and was part of team academic all-state honors. Served as captain of both teams and selected to attend Southeastern Conference Leadership Conference. Competed at 2017 indoor national meet as part of distance medley relay. Participating in fourth year of class council and this year as treasurer. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and first as part of Link Crew that assists freshmen in transition to high school; previously served on school improvement team. Earned awards as part of duet and full orchestra at state solo and ensemble competitions. Teaching third year of religious education classes. Will attend University of Findlay and study physical therapy.
Essay Quote: “In any competition, there will be a winner and a loser, but the true value is that everyone (is) doing their best, learning through the process, and supporting each other. Regardless of the sport, good teammates are the ones who work hard to help others succeed. They help other athletes reach their goals while striving to reach their own goals.”
Elizabeth Saunders, Traverse City Central
Competing in fourth season of Alpine skiing and is a three-year varsity rower; also played freshman volleyball. Earned all-state in skiing and has helped team to three top-three MHSAA Finals finishes; also raced as part of winning Michigan team in Eastern Championship. Competed in rowing junior nationals and won USRowing National Regatta inclusive double championship with partner who is blind. Served as captain of rowing club and freshman volleyball team. Won national Congressional App Challenge and Northwestern Michigan Engineering Fair for development of CalcuSaver app, and created her own startup company for app development and tech repair. Founded and serves as president of TechGirls group that helps women and minorities pursue STEM education. Participating in second year with school’s Key Club and as president of school’s SciMaTech accelerated STEM program student council. Participating in fourth year of Model United Nations. Worked with local township and regional land conservancy to create monarch butterfly habitat. Will attend Stanford University and study computer science and business.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship reflects the fair(ness) and generosity among competitors in a sport. … Because of equal opportunity, students and athletes are able to pursue their interests and passions.”
Kayla Wolma, Hudsonville
Played varsity golf, subvarsity basketball and will play her fourth season of varsity tennis this spring. Earned all-league honors in tennis and played at MHSAA Finals as a junior. Will serve as tennis team captain this upcoming season. Participating in second year of National Honor Society, and selected and participated in three-week geology field study at various national parks as part of Summer Science Institute. Earned $5,000 UGive grand prize and helped raise more than $10,000 total for Wes Leonard Foundation for purchase of AEDs for schools. Participated in mission work in Flint and Detroit. Serves as Sunday School leader and volunteer youth tennis instructor. Will attend Hope College and study business with a minor in exercise science through Hope's professional tennis management program.
Essay Quote: “My goal is to be like Wes Leonard: I want to be that person who brings teams together, who is polite on the court, and is someone who doesn't cheat or thrive on shortcuts. To be a winner on the court is rewarding, but what truly defines a person is living a life full of integrity and selflessness.”
Logan Canada, Fenton
Ran three seasons of cross country and will participate in third season of track & field this spring. Ran at MHSAA Cross Country Finals and earned all-region and all-league honors; also earned academic all-state twice in that sport. Served two seasons as cross country captain and will serve second as track captain this upcoming season. Received AP Scholar with Distinction and took math classes at University of Michigan as part of non-degree dual enrollment. Participating in second year of National Honor Society and chaired chapter’s local Freedom Festival event. Earned championship in Flint Metro League math/science competition. Founded Fenton Conservative American Student Association and participated in state representative election campaign. Serving as CEO of student-directed clothing company. Serves as soccer official and has refereed Michigan State Cup and received invitations to officiate in Midwest Regional League and National Premier League. Finalizing college plans but intends to study biomedical or chemical engineering.
Essay Quote: “Life is one convoluted competition; hence, just like any competition, demonstrating sportsmanship makes it more fun, more learning-intensive, more malleable. Indisputably, sportsmanship is an essential characteristic that high school athletes learn, apply, and develop through high school athletics.”
DJ Dixon, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice
Playing second season of varsity hockey and will play fourth of varsity lacrosse in the spring. Helped lacrosse team to two MHSAA Finals championships and hockey team to Semifinals appearance. Earned all-state in both sports and serving as hockey captain this winter. Serving as student body vice president and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Serving also as Brother Rice Band of Brothers captain and selected by faculty as student leader for Kairos student retreat program. Volunteering for fourth year with Southeast Oakland Shelter, recruiting other student volunteers and organizing athletic activities for homeless children, and Angel’s Place assisting residents with developmental disabilities. Finalizing what he will pursue academically, but will attend Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
Essay Quote: “That night, both teams displayed nothing but respect for each other. Despite our different backgrounds and levels of experience with sport, we were all just high school athletes that wanted to enjoy a meal together. Phone numbers were exchanged, pictures were shared, and a real sense of comradery was felt. I think that’s what sportsmanship is all about — bringing communities together.”
Malcolm Gaynor, Portage Northern
Played two seasons of varsity soccer, two seasons of subvarsity basketball and will play his third season of varsity baseball this spring. Earned all-state in baseball and helped team to last season’s Division 1 championship while also serving as a captain. Named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Earned various honors for student journalism as part of his school student news website, including an all-state honorable mention for column writing, serving previously as sports editor and currently as editor-in-chief. Volunteering as youth baseball trainer and for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Previously volunteered as Link Crew and YWCA children’s mentor and for a U.S. Senate election campaign. Finalizing his course of study but will attend Kenyon College in Ohio.
Essay Quote: “I had always been a hard worker and an individually driven person, but I now know these traits aren't what set apart championship teams. Championship teams have a culture where good sportsmanship is expected. We don’t wallow in our mistakes. We support and encourage, elevating each other to bounce back and work even harder when faced with challenges.”
Tej Kothari, Jenison
Playing fourth season of varsity hockey and played two seasons of varsity tennis. Also played junior varsity soccer and golf. Served as tennis team captain this past fall. Earned AP Scholar designation and a Congressional Award Bronze Medal. Participating in third year of student council, and as vice president, and second year of National Honor Society and on his chapter’s executive board. Participating in third year of DECA and is a past state finalist. Serving fourth year as board member for Jenison Equity Task Force. Volunteering for West Michigan Special Hockey Association, Grand Rapids Junior Sled Wings, and founded and organized annual crayon drive for Women at Risk International. Will attend University of Michigan and major in pre-medical studies.
Essay Quote: “As a younger athlete, sports were all about winning and losing. I was always a good teammate, but I never thought about being a good opponent. It wasn’t until high school that I began to see through the wins and the losses to a bigger picture. … As I am wrapping up my high school athletic career, I now recognize that winning is not the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is inclusivity, working toward a common goal while respecting the sport, your fellow athlete, and yourself.”
Brandon Liu, Northville
Competing in fourth season of wrestling, ran four of cross country and will participate in third varsity season of track & field this spring. Also participated in subvarsity soccer and is in third season of varsity rowing. Competed in MHSAA Finals in cross country and track and earned all-state in latter; also qualified for Regionals in wrestling and rowing state competition. Earned academic all-state in cross country and track. Serving second season as wrestling captain and previously served on school’s Mustang Leadership Council. Earned AP Scholar with Distinction award. Serving fourth year as historian of Wayne County Youth Council and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Qualified for state and national competitions as part of DECA and HOSA Future Health Professionals teams. Earned medals in international Wushu Chinese martial arts competitions and instructs locally. Playing third year as part of Michigan Philharmonics Youth Orchestra and is first chair for viola. Received multiple President’s Volunteer Service Awards and Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award. Finalizing post-graduation plans but has received appointments to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.
Essay Quote: “To me, sportsmanship is being respectful – no matter win or lose. I strive to exemplify proper sportsmanship despite the outcome. I try to always talk with my opponent about his season. Consequently, I have made friends from all types of teams.”
Anish Middha, Midland Dow
Played four seasons of varsity tennis, earning all-state all four seasons and helping team to MHSAA Finals championship as a freshman and runner-up finish as a sophomore. Served as team captain last two seasons. Earned AP Scholar with Distinction award and participating in second year of National Honor Society. Serving fourth year on Midland County Youth Action Council and as president, and has managed distribution of more than $100,000 in grants. Served as logistics chair for two years for Midland County Youth Leadership program. Participating in fourth year of DECA and served two years as club president; earned state championship in automotive services marketing and ranked among top 15 percent internationally. Earned Paderewski national gold medal for piano and is four-time state Student Achievement Testing competition semifinalist. Co-founded school safety initiative that integrates bulletproof panels with door-locking mechanisms. Will attend University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and study finance and economics.
Essay Quote: “Though initially difficult, I’ve developed a drastically different attitude towards athletics. In lieu of self-criticism during matches, I’ve exhibited fortitude and value of my competitors’ abilities. A simple “Nice shot!” can go a long way in a system that often glorifies wins over efforts.”
Other Class A girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Alexandra Montgomery, Ann Arbor Huron; Lydia Valtadoros, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Lara Janosz, Bloomfield Hills; Madelyn Crandell, Byron Center; Brenna Bailey, Haslett; Kaitlyn Stid, Holland; Mónica Ruiz, Holly; Eliza Alushi, Livonia Stevenson; Sasha Konovalenko, Midland Dow; Maddie Sermak, Okemos; Anusha Tekumulla, Port Huron Northern; Jayne Flynn, Richland Gull Lake; Grace Foster, Richland Gull Lake; Raegan McNamara, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek; Rachel Gamm, Rockford; Erin Middleton, St. Johns; Shaelie McClain, Troy Athens; and Lauren Tarnowsky, Waterford Mott.
Other Class A boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Vaughn Hajra, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Owen Rennich, Ann Arbor Pioneer; Skyler Sebring, Battle Creek Lakeview; Vikram Strander, Battle Creek Lakeview; Jack Spamer, Brighton; Nate Sesti, Clarkston; Caleb White, Detroit Catholic Central; Luke Sayler, Dexter; George Graham, Grosse Pointe North; Nathaniel Holcomb, Haslett; Jonah Gilmore, Holland; Shadrach Cunningham, Lansing Waverly; Sean Anderson, Midland Dow; Saketh Kamaraju, Midland Dow; Ben Boss, Saginaw Heritage; Peter Apostol, St. Johns; Davis DiGiovanni, Troy Athens; and Ethan Price, Warren Cousino.
The Class C and D scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 4, and the Class B honorees were announced Feb. 11.
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.