RENO — The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) and One Nevada Credit Union awarded $20,000 in scholarship funds to Nevada student-athletes for the NIAA / One Nevada Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year Awards.
The student-athletes of the year awards are presented to the top students who excel in sports, maintain a high academic status, and volunteer in their community.
The annual northern Nevada and southern Nevada awards banquets have been canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the winners will still be presented with a $1,000 scholarship and special commemorative program at special presentations throughout the state later this month.
“The spirit of the Silver State is embodied in high school athletics and activities,” Bart Thompson, Executive Director of the NIAA said. “The Top Ten winners we honored this year have achieved and maintained an exceptionally high level of excellence in all aspects of their lives. These will be our future leaders. They were dealt a horrible blow at the conclusion of their high school career. They have risen up and they move forward. They will continue to make a positive difference in our communities.”
“We’re proud to celebrate these student-athletes for their outstanding achievements,” said Paul Parrish, One Nevada President and CEO. “It’s profoundly unfortunate that many student-athletes missed out on their last sports season. Still, we’re inspired by their perseverance to continue being outstanding students while giving back to their communities. That’s why we’re so pleased to award each of them a college scholarship in support of their education journey.”
Northern Nevada Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year
• Celeste Condie, Fernley High School
• Jesus Gonzalez, West Wendover High School
• Jefferson Guthrie, Spring Creek High School
• Gabriela Haag, Reed High School
• Melissa Lackore, Smith Valley High School
• Tommy McCormick, Churchill County High Schoo
• Lauren Muff, Galena High School
• Donovan Ratfield, Wooster High School
• Ashby Trotter, Churchill County High School
• Drue Worthen, Reno High School
Southern Nevada Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year
• Taylor Bair, Foothill High School
• Gabriel Belt, Needles High School
• Zachary Billot, Spring Valley High School
• Russell Bodily, Moapa Valley High School
• Ladd Cox, Boulder City High School
• Jenifer Thanh Do, Spring Valley High School
• Nathalie Lagamayo, Virgin Valley High School
• Grant Odegard, Pahrump Valley High School
• Vanessa Sanchez, Chaparral High School
• Sadie Soderborg, Lincoln County High School
The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) is a private, non-profit organization (501c3) originally formed by the secondary schools in Nevada.
In essence, the NIAA is the governing body of high school athletics and activities in the Silver State as recognized by the Nevada state legislature.
It is important to note, however, that the NIAA does NOT receive state funding.
The NIAA’s three revenue streams are corporate partnerships, event ticket sales and member school’s dues.
ABOUT ONE
NEVADA CREDIT UNION
With over $1 billion in assets, One Nevada Credit Union is one of the largest locally owned, federally insured credit unions in the state.
It is also one of the strongest, well-capitalized financial institutions in the country.
One Nevada specializes in serving Nevadan’s personal financial needs.
One Nevada serves 78,000 members, has 14 branches, and offers 46,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the AllPoint Network. Membership is open to all residents of Washoe, Clark, and Nye counties.
One Nevada is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency. For more information, visit onenevada.org.
