The Scholar Athlete Torch Award honors a male and female, junior or senior, athlete that has shown excellence in both the classroom and in athletic competition. The time commitment to maintain outstanding academics and excellent athletic skills is staggering and we want to recognize students for that ability. Both of our winners have weighted GPA's above 4.0. Additional consideration is given to students that are noted by others to exemplify our core values and the four pillars of the mission of SCS in showing a Love for Christ, Passion to Learn, Courage to Lead and Commitment to Serve.
Our male Torch award winner has also balanced a full load of AP classes while playing three sports. He has a passion for learning both in school and on the courts and field. He loves to compete and stretch himself in every way possible. His teachers and coaches has this to say:
From Michael Tedder, "I have the pleasure of being his teacher over the past four years. He has a very strong work ethic in class. He chooses courses that will challenge him academically and in those courses he puts in countless hours in order to perform at the top of the class. He is always willing to offer assistance to others who struggle with a concept or logic. While helping others, he always provides words of encouragement."
From Kevin Bruinsma, "His junior year can be described to me as when potential turns to reality. He is an absolute joy and pleasure to be around, has a high IQ and willingness to learn, and God has blessed him with physical and mental abilities that he is maximizing not only on the court or field, but in the classroom. He has had great leaders and mentors to learn from, and with his abilities showed everyone this year how special he can be. I can't wait to coach him for his Senior year, and totally expect him to be back up on this stage a lot next year at this event".
From Dr. Hedgcock, "We call him Prince Champa Rice. He redefines scholarship by truly investing in others with his academic support and encouragement. I have taught him for three years, and whether he is studying Honors English, AP World History, AP Language, or AP Seminar, his disposition to question, observe, and contribute sets the bar high for others to follow. When he commits to something, he is 'all in'. No one is more deserving of recognition."
From Coach Spenn, "He has always wanted to be challenged and compete at the highest level while having fun. He naturally understands athletics and so many other things as well. Personally, it is a joy to be on the sideline with him. I tell all our players to be the kind of men that when you show up, people are glad you're there. He has done that for many teams. Years ago I started a list of players that represented the kind of men and football players I hoped my young boys would become. That list contains many great men and, Noah, I could not be more proud to say you have more than earned a spot on that list."
The Male Scholar Athlete Torch Award goes to Noah Spenn!
