Monday, May 19, 2003 | 9:08 a.m.
To excel as a high school athlete is special. To succeed as a high school student is also remarkable.
To do both is simply extraordinary, and this year's NIAA/Las Vegas Sun Student-Athletes presented by Lifetouch Photography have done both.
The five young men and five young women selected represent the best that the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association has to offer. This year's 10 honorees represent both the larger schools like Basic and Chaparral, as well as the smaller schools such as The Meadows and Pahrump Valley.
The Sun and the NIAA will honor the following 10 student-athletes at a banquet tonight at Sam's Town. Each honoree will receive a $500 savings bond, an engraved pen and pencil set, a portrait and a souvenir newspaper edition. A table for 10 at the banquet is provided for each honoree.
The 2002-2003 student-athletes of the year:
Alec Chapman
Between his time at Green Valley High School and at The Meadows School, Chapman put together an impressive resume in both cross country and track as a distance runner. After garnering All-Conference honors as a freshman at Green Valley, Chapman transferred to The Meadows and proceeded to sweep the distance events (800m, 1600m, and 3200m) at last weekend's 2A State Meet. He will attend Princeton and train with the Tigers cross country team next year.
The class valedictorian at The Meadows, Chapman carries a 3.98 unweighted grade point average. Chapman has been an active volunteer with the Las Vegas Track Club and Las Vegas Running Team, and he also holds a job as a computer programmer. He is unsure of a college major, but is leaning toward focusing on biomedical research.
In his application essay, Chapman wrote: "Athletics and school have given me the opportunity to improve myself both physically and mentally. Running helps me relax and organize my thoughts after a tough day of school, and the camaraderie and support of teammates has been unequaled."
David Owomoyela
Owomoyela enjoyed great success in two sports at Chaparral High School. Owomoyela earned three varsity letters as a member of the Cowboys football team, and he also received a varsity letter in track. Owomoyela also enjoys playing basketball as a hobby in his spare time.
Owomoyela carries an unweighted GPA of 3.97, ranking him in the top three of his graduating class. He is a recipient of the Nevada Silver Scholar Award. He also is very involved in activities at Chaparral, serving as the student body treasurer and as a member of the National Honor Society. Owomoyela plans to attend college and pursue a career in the FBI.
In his application essay, Owomoyela wrote: "I believe that athletics are an integral part of the high school experience. I am neither the fastest nor the strongest, but I feel as though I have gained just as much as any person out there playing with me. Despite the extra work and late nights, participating in sports has helped me succeed in school."
Bradley Perkins
An accomplished athlete in three sports, Perkins made a name for himself at Virgin Valley High School. Perkins earned two varsity letters each in football, basketball, and baseball. On the football field, he served as team captain and earned first-team All-Conference honors as a defensive end. He plans to attend Brigham Young University next year.
With a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA, Perkins ranks atop his graduating class at Virgin Valley. He is a Nevada Silver Scholar and he earned Academic All-State honors in three sports. Perkins also participates in the school choir and band, as well as National Honor Society and the Boy Scouts of America. He has excelled in a number of Advanced Placement courses.
In his application essay, Perkins wrote: "The best part of being involved in athletics is being part of a team. Experiencing the many ups and downs of a season as a team is what builds unity and better friendships that last far longer than the season will."
Matt Stevens
Stevens is a four-year letterwinner in both baseball and soccer at Pahrump Valley High School. He has earned first-team All-Conference honors as both a catcher and a third baseman, in addition to being named second-team All-State at both positions. He was also part of a zone champion soccer team. He plans to play college baseball while pursuing a degree.
Stevens is an excellent student, carrying a 3.92 unweighted GPA. Stevens has served as class president all four years of high school. He is extremely active in the community as a youth soccer referee and a D.A.R.E. Role Model, as well as volunteering with fundraisers for both United Way and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
In his application essay, Stevens wrote: "Athletics has given me the confidence and pride that I could not get anywhere else in high school. When you put on that game jersey, you put on history. Many people have come before me that have worn that jersey and all had the same purpose, to represent our school and better ourselves."
Keith Stolworthy
A three-sport varsity athlete at Basic High School, Stolworthy enjoyed a stron career on the field and the court. Stolworthy won two varsity letters each in soccer, wrestling, and volleyball. On the volleyball court, Stolworthy played for Basic's 2002 state championship squad and he captained the Wolves squad this season. He plans to attend Utah State University and eventually earn a master's degree in mechanical engineering.
In the classroom, Stolworthy is also a standout with a 3.75 unweighted GPA, ranking him in the top 10 of his graduating class. He has also participated in Boys' State, as well as in the school choir and in madrigals. Stolworthy is active in Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout, as well as taking part in his church youth program.
In his application essay, Stolworthy wrote: "Being on a team has meant more to me than winning every game. I know that with the knowledge and mindset that I have been given through high school athletics, I can succeed in anything that I do."
Elsa Gendall
Gendall has made her impact as a runner at Bonanza High School. She has earned three varsity letters as a member of the Bengals cross country team and one letter on the track team. Gendall received the 2002 Cross Country Coaches Award, and she has been on the Academic All-State Team. She wants to earn a graduate degree and fund a non-profit organization that provides underprivileged children with an education.
Gendall's accomplishments off the field are considerable. Her perfect 4.0 GPA ranks her as a valedictorian of her graduating class at Bonanza. She serves as president of the National Honor Society and the literary arts club, and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Among her numerous extracurricular activities are involvement with Opportunity Village, Candlelighters, and Muscular Dystrophy Association.
In her application essay, Gendall wrote: "I know that in life, I will be able to combat obstacles the same way I have combatted running. I feel ready to face anything that comes my way, and I know that if I really want something, I can have it."
Dora Quezada
Quezada's athletic accomplishments include varsity letters in two sports. She is a four-year letterwinner on the Chaparral High School track team, as well as a two-year letterwinner on the volleyball team. She has also received numerous awards for physical fitness through NJROTC. Quezada will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, and she also received appointments to the Naval and Air Force academies.
As a perfect 4.0 student in unweighted GPA, Quezada is a class valedictorian at Chaparral. Quezada serves as student body president and as commanding officer of the school's NJROTC battalion. She serves as president of the school's inter-club council and is also an accomplished violinist.
In her application essay, Quezada wrote: "I have learned the real meaning of teamwork because out on the volleyball court, no one can do it alone. I have learned to persevere because running 4 miles for practice in Las Vegas heat is not easy but after doing it, I feel like I can accomplish anything."
Roxanne Ritchie
One of the most accomplished athletes in the group, Ritchie owns 11 varsity letters from her time at Foothill High School. Ritchie played varsity softball and basketball for four years, and varsity volleyball for three years. She is a recipient of multiple All-Conference honors in volleyball and softball. Ritchie also received the Nevada Wendy's High School Heisman Award.
Ritchie's 3.95 unweighted GPA ranks her seventh in her graduating class at Foothill. She is an accomplished member of multiple school bands, as well as her church choir. Ritchie is also her church class president, as well as a volunteer for Red Cross and Salvation Army. She plans to play softball in college and to study to become a doctor.
In her application essay, Ritchie wrote: "Not only is athletics fun when I hit the ball or make a basket, but it teaches me leadership skills to become a well-rounded person. Working well with someone takes work, and with a team it takes a lot more. But I enjoy athletics because of this."
Sierra Simmons
Ten varsity letters attest to the outstanding athletic accomplishments of Simmons at The Meadows School. She was won two state titles in volleyball, as well as a state crown in track in the 4 x 200 meter relay. Simmons has been an All-Conference selection in basketball and volleyball, and also an All-State pick in volleyball. Simmons plans to attend Pomona (Calif.) College and then study medicine.
Simmons ranks near the top of her class with a 3.90 unweighted GPA. She is also the student council vice president and a member of the National Honor Society. The school's homecoming queen, Simmons has also served as a Spanish tutor and in class fundraisers. She also founded the school's Donate A Book drive.
In her application essay, Simmons wrote: "When I see a court, field, or track, I think of the athletes who work diligently. These people take pride in striving to be the best and leave no regrets behind. They train on both gloomy and bright days, through fatigue and strength, to fulfill individual aspirations and duties to a team.
Ruby Walsh
With three varsity letters in two different sports, Walsh shined on the field and on the court at Desert Pines High School. Walsh is a three-year varsity letterwinner in both softball and tennis for the Jaguars. She received the coach's award twice in softball and once in tennis. She plans to study mass communications at the university level.
Walsh's unweighted GPA of 3.90 places her atop her graduating class. Walsh serves as the senior class president, capping four years of service in student government. She is also active in both journalism and yearbook, along with participating in numerous neighborhood beautification projects and holding a job. Walsh is a Nevada Silver Scholar and an American Legion Award winner.
In her application essay, Walsh wrote: "I have learned the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship, and determination. My social skills have also greatly improved from dealing with diverse personalities. I have created friendships with people that I probably wouldn't have met if it weren't for athletics."
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