NRCCUA NEWS! -

THE NAIA & NRCCUA NAME CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Award Winners Each Receive a $1,000 Scholarship

Olathe, Kan. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Research Center for College & University Admissions (NRCCUA) announced today the five names of the Champions of Character scholarship recipients. This is the second year for the NAIA and NRCCUA to partner together and offer Champions of Character scholarships to graduating high school seniors who will be attending NAIA institutions in the fall. The 2006 Champions of Character scholarship recipients are: Elizabeth Fritz (William Jewell College, Mo.), Eric (Nick) Gehlsen (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Fla.), Leigh Graham (Covenant College, Ga.), Marianna Herrera (Cardinal Stritch University, Wis.) and Alex Jorgensen (Concordia University, Neb.) Award winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their education.

“The five student-athletes receiving the NRCCUA Champions of Character scholarships are the future of the NAIA and the Champions of Character program,” said NAIA Director of Champions of Character Initiatives Rob Miller. “The NAIA and NRCCUA recognize excellence and reward students not only on their athletic achievements but also the character they bring day in and day out in competition. These individuals have the opportunity to use sport as a teaching tool and we look forward to them playing a part of the growth and future of the Association.”

Scholarship winners were selected based upon how well each individual models the NAIA’s Champions of Character five core values in competition and in their daily lives. These core values are respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. Winners were selected from a pool of applicants and required to submit an application, nomination form and two page essay on how one of the five core character values has impacted their life through sport.

In addition to the five scholarships, the NRCCUA conducts the nation’s largest post secondary planning survey among high school students – in order that they may be linked to educational and career opportunities matching their individual goals and preferences. NRCCUA has been building educational bridges between college-bound high school students, high school counselors and college admission offices for more than 33 years. Through these annual surveys, NRCCUA is able to help colleges and universities target their outreach literature directly to college bound high school students who are most interested and academically qualified to receive it. The NRCCUA is committed to the success of NAIA institutions enrollment through athletics. Many of NRCCUA’s 1,300 plus college and university members are also members of the NAIA.

The NRCCUA continues to be the leading organization connecting young people and their families with colleges and universities around the country. To learn more about the NRCCUA visit www.nrccua.org. To learn more about the NAIA and Champions of Character visit www.naia.org.

2006 NAIA & NRCCUA Scholarship Recipients:
Elizabeth Fritz – Incoming Freshman and Student-Athlete at William Jewell College (Mo.)
High School: Spring Hill High School (Kan.)
Nominated by: Claude Madison, Teacher and Varsity Softball Coach
“Liz has been a four-year letter winner in softball at Spring Hill High School. Over the past four years, she has worked as hard as anyone in the program and has developed into a leader. She is a quiet leader that leads by example.” – Claude Madison

Eric (Nick) Gehlsen – Incoming Freshman and Student-Athlete at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Fla.)
High School: Brentsville District High School (Va.)
Nominated by: Ron Dulin, Cross Country Coach
“Nick is one of the most conscientious and diligent student-athletes that I know. He brings a tremendous amount of passion, energy and enthusiasm to any endeavor he pursues. Whether its academics, athletics, or work; he pursues it passionately and always conducts himself with honor and dignity.” – Ron Dulin

Leigh Graham – Incoming Freshman and Student-Athlete at Covenant College (Ga.)
High School: Christ Presbyterian Academy (Tenn.)
Nominated by: Kathryn White, College Planning Advisor
“In every group in which Leigh finds herself, she has been asked take a leadership role. Leigh is regarded in our community as a young woman of great honor, personal strength and dignity. Her integrity is unquestionable and she gives one hundred percent in all that she takes.” - Kathyrn White

Marianna Herrera - Incoming Freshman and Student-Athlete Cardinal Stritch University (Wis.)
School: Kettle Moraine High School (Wis.)
Nominated by: JoEllen Dickert-Sturtz, Teacher and Coach
“Marianne is an exceptional student and dedicated athlete. Through her words and actions, she develops a positive rapport and mutual respect with her coaches, teammates and classmates. She is an excellent worker who leads by example, and because of this, individuals respond to her leadership.” – JoEllen Dickert-Sturtz

Alex Jorgensen – Incoming Freshman and Student-Athlete at Concordia University (Neb.)
High School: North Star High School (Neb.)
Nominated by: Melissa Luthi, Counselor
“Alex leads both by setting an example and actively seeking to motivate and encourage his teammates and peers. His dedication to his academics as well as athletics and extra-curricular activities is clear and consistent. Alex has impeccable integrity and a quiet maturity beyond most peers.” – Melissa Luthi

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About the NAIA
A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. For additional information visit www.naia.org.

About NRCCUA
The NRCCUA is creating a brighter future for America’s youth, with integrity…through a unique process that captures and shares educational and career aspirations…on dream at a time. NRCCUA works to assist colleges and universities in identifying potential students. NRCCUA has been building educational bridges between college-bound high school students, high school counselors and college admissions offices for more than 33 years. For additional information visit www.nrccua.org.