South Broward High School’s Shaun Cupas Shapiro Named 2025 Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award Scholarship Recipient

Annual award honors the sacrifice of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School coaches Scott Beigel, Aaron Feis, and Chris Hixon

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (May 23, 2025) – The Orange Bowl Committee is honored to announce Shaun Cupas Shapiro, a student-athlete from South Broward High School, as the eighth recipient of the prestigious Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award.

Shaun has shown unwavering faith, strength, and perseverance through deeply personal and emotional challenges. Shaun has remained grounded in his values, motivated to rise above adversity, and committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others. His personal story is one of resilience, humility, and heart.

Established to Honor Heroes

The annual Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award honors the sacrifice of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School coaches Scott Beigel, Aaron Feis, and Chris Hixon. These courageous men lost their lives protecting their students and colleagues during the senseless tragedy that occurred on February 14, 2018. The award recognizes an outstanding South Florida student-athlete who exemplifies valor and perseverance in the face of adversity, and it includes a $10,000 scholarship.

Strength and Determination

“The Orange Bowl Committee is incredibly proud to present Shaun Cupas Shapiro with the 2025 Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award,” said Orange Bowl Committee President & Chair Henri Crockett. “His ability to turn pain into purpose, while staying grounded in kindness, discipline, and faith, is remarkable. Shaun is a role model not only to his peers, but to our entire community. We are incredibly proud to recognize him with this year’s award.”

Overcoming the Odds

Shaun grew up with a strong foundation built by his mother, grandmother, and grandfather who passed away on the day of his first baseball practice. From an early age, Shaun had an estranged relationship with his father, which greatly impacted his childhood.

Despite emotional challenges, Shaun has remained a dedicated student and athlete. He plays baseball, maintains a 4.7 GPA, and plans to major in kinesiology, using his future to advocate for youth, mental wellness, and the power of sport. This fall, he will continue his academic and athletic journey at St. Thomas University, where he plans to play baseball. He dreams of reaching the MLB not just for personal success, but to uplift others with stories like his own.

Looking Ahead

Shaun will be officially recognized during the 2026 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The Orange Bowl Committee congratulates Shaun on his well-deserved achievement and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award Recipients:

• 2018: Travis Julmice, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
• 2019: Christopher Volpe, Jupiter High School
• 2020: Kimberly Slinkosky, Cooper City High School
• 2021: Ashley Moon, Miami Springs Senior High School
• 2022: Alcivial Henrisme, Glades Central High School
• 2023: Angelica Deribeaux, Palmer Trinity School
• 2024: Ella Gertz, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
• 2025: Shaun Cupas Shapiro, South Broward High School