On the afternoon of February 14, 2018, one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Broward County Florida, claiming the lives of seventeen victims. Amidst the horror, there were many brave teachers, administrators and students who sacrificed their own safety to protect their students, colleagues and classmates. Among those who lost their lives courageously trying to save others were three brave men; cross country coach and geography teacher Scott Beigel, assistant football coach and security guard, Aaron Feis, and wrestling coach and athletic director Chris Hixon.

In honor of these valiant men, the Orange Bowl Committee (OBC) created the Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award.  This prestigious award was designed to salute an outstanding South Florida student-athlete exhibiting valor and courage in the face of adversity.

This annual award will include a $10,000 scholarship distributed over four years, contingent upon the student-athlete remaining in good standing with his or her corresponding college or university.

Eligibility Requirements For High School Senior Student-Athletes:

  1. Student-Athlete must attend a high school in the South Florida area (Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach)
  2. Identifiable actions, which clearly demonstrate extraordinary courage or commitment and how he/she has overcome obstacles.
  3. The person must have exemplified the strength of human spirit by demonstrating one or more of the following five attributes of courage:
    • Choosing to act in the face of adversity
    • Compassion
    • Standing up for principles and values
    • Expanding one’s horizons beyond the familiar
    • Persevering through suffering with dignity or faith
  4. The student-athlete must also not be receiving a full athletic scholarship
  5. Minimum 2.7 weighted GPA.

Additional Requirements:

In order to be eligible to receive this award, students must complete this form by the Friday, May 15th deadline, and must include:
  1. A 500-word essay on the following: Provide a familiar saying that guides you or a quotation that is particularly meaningful to you. Describe how this saying/quote influences you to do your best and helped you to overcome obstacles. (Please ensure your essay includes information that will assist in explaining why you should be selected as the Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award recipient)
  2. An official high school transcript showing the most recent coursework. (Can also be emailed directly from your school to outreach@orangebowl.org).
  3. A letter of recommendation from a school representative (i.e. coach, teacher, counselor) attesting to the student’s character, scholastic & athletic accomplishments, specifically highlighting adversities he/she have faced and/or obstacles overcome. * The letter should reflect the true character of the applicant, clearly describe how you personally know the applicant and not generically written.

** The student essay and letter of recommendation accounts for a large percentage of the scoring system.

Process:

  1. Nominations are due Wednesday, May 15th at 5:00 p.m. ET.
  2. A panel of judges will review the nomination materials and select the most outstanding candidate.
  3. Recipient will be notified by Tuesday, May 28th.

 

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