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2022 STUDENT-ATHLETE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION

Sunday, February 5, 2023, Priority Automotive Lounge, S.B. Ballard Stadium

(NORFOLK, VA) – Sixteen student athletes from across the state were honored Sunday night as part of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Foundation’s 18th annual Student Athlete Achievement Awards.  The reception and ceremony, held in the Priority Automotive Lounge at S.B. Ballard Stadium on the campus of Old Dominion University, featured high school student-athletes from across Virginia that excel academically and in their communities.  The event was emceed by WAVY-TV 10 anchor, Katie Collett, with 2014 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Marty Miller, providing keynote remarks. Miller also serves as Chairman of the Hall of Fame Foundation’s Board of Directors.

As part of the nominating process, the Hall received more than 120-nominations, from which 16 finalists were chosen by an awards selection committee. Among the 10-girls and 6-boys, the top five were selected as the Hall of Fame’s Student Athletes of the Year.  This year’s winners are;

  • Henry Bearden from The Steward School in Richmond
  • Audrey Czarnecki from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology in Alexandria
  • Addison Froehlich from Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach
  • Luke Kielbasa from Western Albemarle High School in Crozet
  • Savanna Miller from Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake

In addition to being named the Student Athletes of the Year, this year’s winners are the recipients of a $1,500.00 scholarship award to be used towards furthering their education. The remaining 11-finalists were each presented with a $750 scholarship award.

This year’s finalists feature a diverse array of student-athletes that participate in multiple sports, have received numerous academic awards and recognitions, and have logged thousands of hours of volunteer work and community service initiatives.

“Each year we are amazed at the quality of individuals nominated for our Student-Athlete Achievement Awards scholarships,” says Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director, Will Driscoll. “While sports participation is a requirement for this program, the academic and community engagement exhibited by these students is what sets them apart.”

The Hall of Fame would like to thank our sponsors for this year’s Student Athlete Achievement Awards: Priority Automotive Group, The Beck Foundation, The City of Virginia Beach, Optima Health, Hamilton’s Realty, Atlantic Union Bank, Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen, DAVCON Inc., Davis Business Appraisers, and ESPN Radio 94.1

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Hall of Fame’s website www.VaSportsHOF.com, or follow the Hall on social media;

Facebook – Virginia Sports Hall of Fame (@VaSportsHoF)

Twitter – @VaSportsHoF

Instagram – @vasportshof

2022 Student-Athletes of the Year

Henry Bearden – A Senior from The Steward School in Richmond, Virginia has a 5.0 GPA and plans to study medical and engineering sciences in college. Throughout his time at The Steward School, Henry was a member of the Varsity soccer team for three years earning VISAA All-State DII honors and the Leadership Award. Henry also plays travel soccer for the Richmond Kickers Elite where he rigorously trains for the entire year. Academically, Henry has thrived in the classroom making the Headmaster’s List each year, was selected to be his class’s Junior Marshal, the highest honor a Junior can receive at The Steward School, and was named a National Merit Scholar. Henry also thrives in leadership positions. He was the captain of the Varsity soccer team for three years, captain of the Richmond Kickers Elite for four years, is the Vice President of the Class of 2023, and led his Model United Nations Club as a Junior. Outside of school, Henry continues to make great impacts in his community. Through RVAccess, he provided soccer practice for children with disabilities, prepared and served meals for people in need at the Grace and Holy Trinity Church, and is a member of Operation Smile. After college, Henry plans to pursue work in the biomedical engineering field where he will put his collegiate studies to use.

Audrey Czarnecki – A Senior at Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, Virginia dreams of attending MIT to major in biology and continue her wrestling career. Throughout her time at Thomas Jefferson, Audrey has amassed a 4.46 GPA and has accumulated quite the list of academic achievements. Audrey is a 2023 National Merit Scholar Semifinalist, an AP scholar, was Accepted into George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program in 2022, and finished as the highest ranked competitor in the New England/Mid-Atlantic region in the 2022 Academic Decathlon Regional Competition. Audrey has wrestled her entire time at Thomas Jefferson as well. She earned a Varsity letter in 2021 and a Varsity certificate in 2022. She also captained the girl’s team in 2022 and ranked fourth in Virginia for her weight class. In her community, Audrey has made a great impact earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She was a member of the Dolley Madison Public Library Teen Advisory Board where she was the Director of Art and a Newsletter Editor. In addition, she was a Planetary Leader for the EDUT free tutoring service where she tutored biology students for Under the Microscope. After college, Audrey plans to pursue a career as a physician or a career in researching medical treatments and applications.

Addison Froehlich – Addison is a Senior at Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She has played field hockey all four years in high school earning Class 5 All-State 1st Team, All Tidewater Field Hockey 2nd Team, MAX Field Hockey High School Region Players to Watch, and MAX Field Hockey National Invitational All-Tournament 2nd Team. In school, Addison has amassed a 4.3 GPA and is involved in many extracurricular activities. She is a member of the SCA, National Honors Society, and DECA. In the community, Addison strives to make as big of an impact as she possibly can. She is a camp counselor at her high school, a Boo Bash Volunteer, works at Food Drives for Holy Family, helps at Hashtag Lunch Bag, and was a 2022 House of Representatives District Nominee Campaign Intern. During her internship she connected with a local campaign and on a weekly basis had the opportunity to walk neighborhoods to stay in touch with her community. Addison will attend Villanova where she will continue her field hockey career and study in their top-ranked business school. She plans to major in Business with concentration in Finance. After college, she hopes to work in the business management field for two years before she goes back to school to obtain her Master’s Degree in Business Law.

Luke Kielbasa – A Senior at Western Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, Virginia has played tennis throughout his time in school. Luke was named the captain of the Western Albemarle tennis team and has won every regional and state tennis championship during his time in high school. Luke was also awarded the Western Warrior Spirit Award which is given to the athlete that best embodies the principles of the Western Albemarle athletic program. In the classroom, Luke has earned a 4.64 GPA and loves AP Biology and AP English Literature and Composition. He has never recorded a grade lower than an A and is a member of the National Science Honors Society, the National History Honors Society, the National English Honors Society, and the National Honors Society. In his community, Luke makes a great impact by serving as the executive of a council involving all four schools in his district where he focuses on community service and public policy. Throughout his high school years he has totaled over 550 hours of volunteer work including helping at his school’s run event, assisting teachers in the classroom, and teaching tennis to Special Olympics athletes. At the moment his top choices for college are Duke, Virginia, and Columbia. In college he would like to go Pre-Med and major in Biology with a minor in English. This will lead him on a path where he will attend Medical School and ultimately become a surgeon where he will also research advanced prosthetics.

Savanna Miller – A Senior at Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Virginia has been a member of the Varsity Swimming and Diving team for three years. Savanna set the VHSL Class 4 diving record, won the State Diving Championship, was a Regional Champion and was a member of the All-State Class 4 Swimming and Diving team during her 11th Grade Year. Also during her time in high school she won a Class 5 State Championship, earned NISCA All-American Diver honors, and captained her high school Diving team for two years. Outside of school, Savanna was a K2 Diving Club member, participated in the 2021 and 2022 AAU Nationals, and was a 2022 USA Zone Qualifier. In the classroom, Savanna has earned a 4.65 GPA and loves to study Science, History, and Math. While ranking third in her class, she has been a member of the Deep Creek Science and Medicine Academy, took the 2022 Merck APA Basic Drug Discovery Course, and is a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, Savanna plans to attend a four-year university to study biochemistry. She would also like to participate in medical or scientific research and is currently pursuing opportunities to continue diving in college. Her dream is to pursue a career in medical research or anesthesiology.

2022 Student-Athlete Achievement Awards Finalists

Claire Baker – Claire is a senior in the Bayside High School Health and Sciences Academy and is one of the top students in her class. With a 4.15 GPA, she is dedicated to academic excellence and strives to be the best in everything she does. She has been named All Region 5A First Team For Field Hockey, which is a testament to her athletic abilities. In addition to her academic and athletic achievements, Claire is also a National Honor Society Member and a Medical Honor Society Member, which demonstrates her passion for knowledge and her commitment to serving her community. She is also an active volunteer in the field hockey community, using her skills and experience to help other players improve and grow. She has also taken the initiative to volunteer for Bayside High School’s Athletic Training to help provide medical support to athletes during games and practices. Claire’s achievements have earned her recognition and respect from her peers, teachers, and coaches. This coming fall, she will continue her academic and field hockey careers as she has verbally committed to Lynchburg University. With her academic and athletic accomplishments, Claire is well on her way to achieving her goals and making a positive impact on the world.

Dallas Gardner – Dallas is a senior at Henrico High School where he has earned a GPA of 3.96. He is a well-rounded individual with a passion for sports and community service. Dallas is a National Champion BMX Racer, and his talent and hard work have earned him recognition and accolades in the racing community. In addition to his athletic achievements, Dallas is also a leader in his community. He has participated in the HCPS Community Conversation for Peace as a panelist, where he shared his thoughts on promoting peace and unity. As a member of Boys State, he has taken on leadership roles and demonstrated his commitment to making a positive impact. Dallas has also been active in community service, volunteering at Richmond’s 2022 Oystoberfest. He served as the event’s face painter for kids, bringing joy and excitement to the young attendees. After graduation, Dallas plans to study biology and attend medical school with the ultimate goal of becoming a dermatologist. He is motivated by his desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives. Dallas Gardner is a talented and dedicated young man who embodies the qualities of leadership, hard work, and commitment to community service. He is an exceptional student, athlete, and citizen who has a bright future ahead of him.

David Kim – David is a Senior at Princess Anne High School who stands out in all aspects of his life. With a 4.37 GPA, he is not only one of the top students in his class but also a role model for his peers. David’s drive to make a positive impact on his community is evident in his involvement as a volunteer at Sentara Hospital Princess Anne. Also, David is the main instructor at Masters United Taekwondo Center, where he teaches people who have had confidence issues, physical disabilities such as arthritis and joint issues, and mental disabilities such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, and more. David’s passion for helping others shines through in this role, as he is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those he teaches. As captain of his high school swim team, David displays his leadership skills, inspiring others to strive for excellence. He also volunteers at the Virginia Beach SPCA, showing his love for animals and his commitment to giving back. Lastly, David’s musical talent is highlighted by his role as concertmaster during his junior year for the school’s violin program. David is a well-rounded individual who embodies hard work, compassion, and dedication. He is an example of what it means to be a successful student and a positive force in the community.

Natalie Korzuch – Natalie is a Senior at Charles J. Colgan High School who excels in academics earning a 4.35 GPA. Natalie is a talented athlete, participating in Varsity Field Hockey, Varsity Crew, and Varsity Track and Field. Her skill and hard work have earned her recognition as a member of the All-District Varsity Field Hockey Team for three consecutive years. In addition to her athletic achievements, Natalie is an active member of her community. She has been honored with the Youth Salute Nomination from the National Council on Youth Leadership, received the Silver and Gold  Awards from Girl Scouts, and is a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Her involvement in various organizations is also noteworthy, as she is a member of the National Honor Society, the Website Chair for National Social Studies Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, and National Art Honor Society. Natalie’s achievements are a testament to her determination, passion, and character. After high school, Natalie plans to attend Penn State, where she will continue her journey towards academic excellence and personal growth.Natalie is a well-rounded individual who embodies determination, passion, and dedication. She is an inspiration to those around her and will undoubtedly continue to make a positive impact in her future endeavors.

Amber Mackiewicz – Amber is a senior at Bayside High School and has earned 4.2 GPA. She has been playing golf since she was five years old and has made a name for herself in the golfing world. She is a three-time 5A Regional Golf Champion and has been a top 10 girls state qualifier three times. Amber’s hard work and dedication paid off when she became the Class 5 State Champion. Amber’s academic and athletic achievements have earned her a place in the National Honor Society and Medical Honor Society. In addition to her academic pursuits, Amber is also actively involved in the school’s Health Occupation Student Association. Additionally, she is a member of “Mighty Marlins,” a club that allows students to perform athletic activities for special needs to benefit the Special Olympics. Amber is not just an accomplished student and athlete, but also a dedicated volunteer. She volunteers at the First Tee of Hampton Roads as a golf instructor and at the Beth Sholom Retirement Village, assisting the elderly with their daily activities. Amber’s passion for golf and helping others is evident in her volunteer work. Amber’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She has committed to play golf at James Madison University, where she will continue to hone her skills and make a difference in the lives of others. Amber Mackiewicz is a true leader and role model, both on and off the golf course.

Jonathan McEwen – Jonathan is a senior at Churchland High School who stands out as a top-performing student with a 4.42 GPA. He is an exceptional athlete and has been a member of the varsity golf, varsity swimming, and played JV baseball teams. In 2019, Jonathan was the Portsmouth City Jr. Champion in golf and received the 5th place in the VSGA Junior State Two-Man Tournament. Jonathan’s excellence in golf was recognized with the 2022 Eastern Amateur Joe Tusing Sportsmanship Award. He was also a member of the 2022 VSGA Virginia Team for the Mid-Atlantic Junior Championship. In addition to his athletic achievements, Jonathan has a strong passion for volunteering. He has worked at Summer Junior Golf Camps, as a youth basketball coach volunteer at the YMCA, and helped organize and assist at the Holiday Drive Thru for the Class of 2021. He has also been a volunteer at the YMCA Basketball Camp for Autistic Children and at Golf Camps for Underprivileged Kids, where he coached minority and underprivileged children how to play golf. Jonathan’s academic achievements are equally impressive. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and National Latin Honor Society. He is also a College Board AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of the Scholastic Bowl team. Jonathan’s future looks bright as he looks to continue his golf and athletic career at the collegiate level next year.

Kaitlyn Purvis – Kaitlyn is a Senior at Chantilly High School and has exemplified what it means to be a leader in the classroom, athletics, and in the community. While earning a 3.84 GPA, Kaitlyn has a strong interest in history and math which are her two favorite subjects. She was a member of the varsity Indoor and Outdoor Track teams where she shined year after year. Kaitlyn earned recognition as a three-time Most Outstanding Sprinter and made the All District, Region, and State teams. Outside of academics and athletics, Kaitlyn strives to make strong impacts in her school. She is an Executive Board Member in the Black Student Association (BSA) where she collaborates with others to decide on the BSA mission for the school year. In addition she creates marketing content to help recruit new members and promote inclusive events that bring her school community together. In her community, Kaitlyn makes a significant impact each and every day. She prepared over 200 pieces of her baby sister’s clothing and donated them to the Women Giving Back organization. In addition, she has volunteered at the D.C. National Guard where she has contributed over 50 hours to their family center’s pantry. Kaitlyn also volunteers with JJS Missions to assist Haitians with disaster relief supplies and raise money to provide them with clean water. Kaitlyn’s leadership in her school and community make impacts on those who are around her and will propel her to succeed in all facets of her life.

Elisabeth Rockefeller – A senior at Lake Braddock Secondary School, Elisabeth has amassed 4.38 GPA throughout her studies. She is an accomplished athlete and a member of the dive team at Fairfax Station Swim and Tennis Club and Dominion Dive Club. Elisabeth has competed as a USA Diving Junior Olympic Athlete and is committed to continue her dive career at NC State University. Elisabeth’s leadership and passion for journalism are evident as the Editor-in-Chief of both the middle and high school yearbooks. Her academic achievements have earned her a place in the Math National Honor Society. In addition to her excellence in the classroom, Elisabeth is also a talented athlete. She is a member and captain of her high school’s swim and dive team. She has also served as an assistant coach of the Fairfax Station Swim and Tennis Club Dive Team. Elisabeth’s dedication to her sport and community is also evident in her achievements outside of school. She has earned a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, demonstrating her discipline, perseverance, and dedication. Elisabeth Rockefeller is a true leader, both in the classroom and in athletics. As she continues her dive career at NC State University, there is no doubt that she will continue to make a positive impact and accomplish her goals.

Jameson Vanderloo – Jameson is a senior at Loudoun County High School, and has earned a 4.51 GPA during his time in the classroom. He is a Navy Junior ROTC Cadet where he has held several leadership positions such as Class Leader, Co-captain for the academic team, Senior Chief, and Non-Commissioned Officers Association Cadet of the Year 2022. In addition to his academic achievements, Jameson is also a standout athlete. He has been the MVP of the Varsity Swim team and holds the school’s 4×50 freestyle relay record. He is a 5-time state medalist in swimming and a member of both the cross country and track teams. Jameson is also a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, a William & Mary Leadership Award recipient, an AP Scholar with Distinction Award, and a member of the Spanish National Honor Society. He has enrolled in programs at Harvard and Cornell University, to excel and showcase his academic prowess. Jameson is also the founder of Srokes4Strokes, a non-profit organization aimed at helping others with disabilities caused by strokes. He has exceeded over 300 volunteer hours throughout his high school career, which demonstrates his dedication to serving his community. He is a two-time Region 4C swimming champion and a four-time Dulles District 4A Swimming Champion. Lastly, Jameson is also a Second Degree Black belt in Tae Kwon Do, which showcases his discipline and commitment to martial arts.

Atiana Williams – Atiana is a senior at Menchville High School, who stands out as a student-athlete and leader. With a 4.52 GPA, she is not only academically gifted but also has a passion for biology and math. Atiana’s future plans include attending a four-year college on either an academic or athletic scholarship and later attending medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. Throughout her high school years, Atiana was active in sports, participating in basketball, volleyball, and swimming. She was not only a talented player but also a leader, serving as the senior class president and a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies. Atiana’s basketball skills are impressive, as she led her team to become class 5 state champions and served as the team’s captain. Her hard work and dedication to the sport earned her recognition, including being named First Team All-Region and Second Team All-State. In her free time, Atiana volunteers at basketball camps for young female athletes and provides ESL tutoring to help students learning English as a second language. She is also a Visionaire member of the National Council of Negro Women. With her passion for academics, sports, and community service, she is well on her way to achieving her dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

Alyeska Yee-Jenkins – Alyeska Yee-Jenkins is a senior at Oakton High School with a 4.36 GPA and a passion for math and environmental science. She plans to continue her education and athletic career at James Madison University, where she will play lacrosse. With her strong leadership skills, Alyeska sees herself in a leadership role no matter where her career takes her. Alyeska has a strong track record of achievements, both in the classroom and on the field. She is a National Honor Society member and a USA Lacrosse All-American. Her lacrosse skills have earned her numerous accolades, including 6A First Team All State, Regional Player of the Year, and District Player of the Year. She was also chosen as the Under Armour 150 captain and the captain of her high school lacrosse team. In addition to her academic and athletic success, Alyeska has a strong sense of community and is committed to giving back. She has made blankets for a local pet shelter and sang Christmas songs at retirement homes. She also participated in a program to package food for people in Africa. Overall, Alyeska is a well-rounded and accomplished individual who is poised for continued success in the future.

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