March 31, 2006
Contact: Justine K. Mitchell, Public Relations Manager, (561) 233-3189, jmitchell@palmbeachsports.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sam Budnyk Scholar Athlete Award Finalists
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame presented by Toshiba Business Solutions, Florida and the Palm Beach County Sports Institute is proud to announce the 10 finalists for the Sam Budnyk Scholar Athlete Award. Each finalist is recognized and the Award, including a $5,000 college scholarship, is presented during the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, hosted at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on Sunday, May 7 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Matching funds for the Award are kindly donated by the Murray H. and Joanie M. Goodman Charitable Foundation.
The finalists are:
Matthew Adams, The Kings Academy
Matthew Adams is a 4.38 GPA honors student with several scholastic awards and recognitions. His athletic achievements include Second Team All Area for varsity baseball and being named in the top 50 baseball players in the United States for the class of 2006. Matthew’s community service work includes serving as a counselor at the Doyle Baseball Academy and as a counselor for vacation bible school. He plans to attend Yale University and play on the university’s Division I baseball team.
Murillo Adrados, Jupiter High School
Murillo, who will graduate Jupiter High School this year as the valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA and 5.0 HPA, has achieved numerous top scholastic honors and awards. As a member of the Jupiter High School Swim and Dive Team he holds two school relay records and was a state finalist the past two years. Murillo also achieved All-American status this year in the 100-yard backstroke. Murillo is a founding member of the Florida Juniors Academy of Sciences, where he has served as President for the past three years. He has all the natural qualities of a leader and is a chemistry and French tutor.
Margaret Ansell, Trinity Christian Academy
Margaret has served as Class President and President of Student Council at Trinity Christian Academy and holds a 4.28 GPA. In addition to other scholastic achievements she is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. She has served as captain of the varsity swim team for three years and co-captain of the varsity track and field team, helping to grow the team from 5 to 21 members. Maggie pioneered a program to provide childcare for children of faculty members during staff in-service days, a program that is a real benefit to faculty members at Trinity.
Danielle Bradley, The King's Academy
Danielle Bradley has a 4.04 GPA at The King’s Academy and has numerous academic achievements. She has been a vital member of the varsity volleyball, basketball, cross county and track teams, being named athlete of the year the last two years and dominating the state of Florida in track and cross country. Danielle holds many records and was a state champion several times. She volunteers for many activities at First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach and participates in numerous mission trips. She has also served the American Cancer Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Palm Beach Marathon and Youth Leadership Palm Beach County. Danielle will continue her education at Baylor University and run with the cross country and track and field teams.
Michelle Bruggeman, Cardinal Newman High School
Cardinal Newman High School’s Michelle Bruggeman has a 4.25 GPA and has received numerous awards for academic excellence. As a member of the soccer team, Michelle first lettered as a ninth grader. She has won numerous all area and conference awards and served as Team Captain her senior year. Michelle is well respected by the team and was chosen most valuable player as a junior and senior. She has been very active in her church and participates in many service projects at Cardinal Newman, including Key Club.
Danielle Caron, Palm Beach Central High School
Danielle has been a member of Palm Beach Central’s varsity softball team for four years and has received all area, state and team awards including the coach’s award for all around play, most valuable player and the defensive award. She has served as team captain since her sophomore year and has led her team to regional competitions. Her academic performance is exceptional; she currently carries a 3.63 GPA and a 3.92 HPA. Her volunteer activities include assisting the Polo Park Middle School softball team at practices and during games. She also tutors middle school children.
Daniel Holden, W.T. Dwyer High School
Daniel holds a 3.84 GPA and 4.44 HPA at W.T. Dwyer High School. He was a member of the wrestling team for four years, placing first or second in six tournaments this season and was a State Qualifier. He has won the most academic and coach’s awards and served as team captain. Daniel has participated in cross country and track for two years, serving as team captain this year. His community involvements include boy scouts, where he became an Eagle Scout and troop leader. He lead the conversion of a church owned vacant lot into a nature trail and exercise path and traveled to help repair homes for the physically and financially challenged. Through his church he made trips to Costa Rica to participate in youth ministry.
Zandra Kalina, Palm Beach Central High School
Zandra is a member of Palm Beach Central’s cross country and track teams and holds a 3.96 GPA and 4.5 HPA. For both sports, she has been Regional Qualifier and was named most valuable player her sophomore and junior years. She served as team captain of the cross-country team. Zandra has been a camp counselor and tutor of math, science and Spanish.
Andrew Kelly, Cardinal Newman High School
Andrew has a 4.02 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He was selected as a Senior Standout for all around excellence. He has served as a class officer and has been active in clubs and service organizations. Andrew has participated in football and basketball for four years and was selected as team captain for both programs. He has also been active in service to the school and community, contributing to the success of many projects. He has volunteered with the YMCA, St. Vincent’s Church, Plantation General Hospital and various other projects.
Michael P. Wilkinson, Wellington High School
Michael maintains a 4.25 HPA and 3.82 GPA, was named a finalist for the Principal’s Award and is an actively involved member of the National Honor Society. He has participated in soccer, football and track. As a four year varsity soccer player, Michael was recognized as the #1 player in Florida and the #2 player in the nation. He was recognized nationally for being a ranked soccer player with one of the highest GPAs and was a member of the 2005 NSCAA/Adidas High School Scholar All-American Soccer Team. He was named first team All Conference and second team All County Conference for his accomplishments as a football place-kicker and punter. Michael is a math tutor, was a National Wheelchair Bodybuilding competition organizer and supervisor and participated in three mission trips.
About the Sam Budnyk Scholar Athlete Award
The Sam Budnyk Scholar Athlete Award, established and first awarded in 2005, is presented annually to a high school senior in Palm Beach County. The student must have demonstrated outstanding achievement in academics, community service and athletics. The scholarship is named in recognition and celebration of the commitment, values and success of Sam Budnyk, Athletic Director at Cardinal Newman High School for 45 years and Head Football Coach for 43 of those years. The award is presented to scholar athletes who demonstrate those achievements and attributes that Coach Budnyk has lived and taught to so many young men and women for so many years. A college scholarship of $5,000 is presented to the winner. Matching funds for the Award are kindly donated by the Murray H. and Joanie M. Goodman Charitable Foundation. Renewal awards for future years of college study are available to previous year winners who demonstrate success in academics and community service in college. So by 2008, we expect to be awarding $5,000 each to a freshman, a sophomore, a junior and a senior for a total commitment of $20,000 per year.
About the Palm Beach County Sports Institute
The Palm Beach County Sports Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides local youths the opportunity to learn sportsmanship, teamwork and citizenship through sport. The Sports Institute also promotes character development through sporting activities, lifelong physical fitness, a drug-free lifestyle and safe and fun access to healthy activities.
The Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame is presented by Toshiba Business Solutions, Florida, and sponsored by ESPN Radio 760, Florida Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Palm Beach Post, PGA National Resort & Spa and Parallax Productions. For tickets and information, contact Dusty Ann Williams at (561) 233-3122 or dwilliams@palmbeachsports.com.
###
