The AAU Sullivan Committee is proud to announce the results of the 2012 AAU High School Sullivan Award and Scholarship Program. This award is named after James E. Sullivan, a past President of the Amateur Athletic Union, and a pioneer in amateur sports. Based on the qualities of leadership, character, sportsmanship, the AAU High School Sullivan Award goes far beyond athletic accomplishment and honors those with leadership skills, strong character and community involvement as evidenced by his and her lifestyle as a whole.  The High School Sullivan Committee will be awarding a total of $40,000 in Scholarship Funds to eight (8) different recipients; four (4) male and four (4) female athletes.

With over 2000 applicants from around the United States, it was our honor to receive entries from so many wonderful young adults who are involved with AAU through various sports and learn about their many accomplishments and contributions. This year’s very deserving finalists are not only great athletes, but great scholars and charitable community members.  We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all eight finalists.

The 2012 High School Sullivan First Place Winners are Jessica Graham and Cody Ladd, who will each receive $10,000 towards their education at the College/University they will attend in the fall.

Jessica Graham is from Goose Creek, South Carolina where she attended Ashley Hall High School. Jessica is an extraordinary athlete who has lettered in Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer and Softball and played in many local and state tournaments where she received many accolades.  She has participated in AAU for six years in Volleyball and was named High School Sports Report SCISA 3A Player of the year. Community outreach is important to Jessica and she has dedicated a lot of her time to volunteering with children’s organizations: Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, Autism Walk, Buddy Walk and MUSC Children’s Hospital among many others. Jessica’s essay showcased how important it is to lead by example, insist on sportsmanship, be a great leader and maintain integrity by displaying positive character traits. She is a National Honor Society Member who maintained a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend Wofford College, and the Medical University of South Carolina and major in Pharmacy.

Cody Ladd is from Greenfield, Iowa where he attended Nodaway Valley High school. Cody has earned 13 Varsity letters in Baseball, Football, Track, Soccer and Wrestling. Among many accolades and accomplishments, Cody said his single most important accomplishment was winning Sectionals, Districts and State Qualifiers in Wrestling after just starting to wrestle in the middle of his senior year. Cody has participated in AAU events for four years and has maintained a 3.79 GPA. His essay focused on leadership, sportsmanship and his strong belief in the Golden Rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Cody is involved with several community organizations and believes that community service is a key component to his personal growth and development.  He plans to attain a degree in Athletic Training/Exercise Science at Iowa State with a goal of helping others to stay healthy.

Receiving a $2,500 scholarship to the College/University that they will attend in the fall are:

Bryce Arnold: Shippensburg Area High School in Pennsylvania-Volleyball

Eric Gebeke: White Bear Lake Area South Campus in Minnesota – Basketball, Track & Field

Darren Hendricks: Suncoast Polytechnical High School in Florida– Wrestling, Track & Field

Lauren Hintenlag: Eastside High School in Florida – Volleyball, Soccer & Lacrosse

Jarrion Lawson: Liberty-Eylau High School in Texas – Track & Field

Kaley Moser: Walter Williams High School in North Carolina– Basketball, Soccer