FORT WORTH, Texas (January 8, 2009) – The Davey O’Brien Foundation (the Foundation) is pleased to announce its finalists for the 2008 Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship Award, a $20,000 scholarship presented each year to an outstanding senior student-athlete in the North Texas area. The scholarship winner will be announced January 20 during the 2nd Annual Davey O’Brien Scholarship Luncheon held at The Fort Worth Club.
Established in 1986, the Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship has provided more than $450,000 in scholarships to high school seniors. Winners are chosen on the basis of scholastic achievements, community service, character, leadership and varsity sports participation. The Foundation will also award a $1,000 scholarship to each of the five finalists.
Drew Albert, J.J. Pearce High School
Drew Albert is a self-motivated student at Richardson’s J.J. Pearce High School. His enthusiasm for life and learning is evident in all that he does, from academics to athletics. Out of 446 students in his class, Drew ranks sixth. He has been recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist, an AP Scholar and was named a Dale Hansen’s/McDonald’s Scholar Athlete for his excellence in athletics and in the classroom. Drew recently completed his second season on the varsity football team and also competes on the varsity track team. More notable than his athletic capabilities are the leadership and selflessness Drew displays among his teammates. He has been described as the “ultimate team player” with “a true servant attitude and heart.” Drew was elected by his peers as president of the Student Council and is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, Senior Senate and the Spanish Honor Society. He is also actively involved in Young Men’s Service League, serving as the philanthropy project chair.
Morgan Bentz, Richland High School
Morgan Bentz is an all-around student at Richland High School in North Richland Hills. Ranking second in her class of 464, she has been recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar, is a member of the National Honor Society, serves as secretary of the Student Council, participates in the Youth Bell Choir at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, and is co-founder and co-president of Richland Hills High School’s Spanish Club. She was also elected by her class as the 2008 homecoming queen, an honor which is not surprising as she is someone often sought after by her peers for advice. Morgan is in her fourth year as a varsity athlete, competing on the varsity cross country team and golf team for four years and the varsity basketball team for two. While her athletic talent is undeniable, what stands out more to those who know Morgan are the values for which she stands. As some say, she “stands for integrity everywhere she goes.”
Taylor Breen, South Hills High School
In a class of 280, Taylor Breen is the top-ranked student at Fort Worth’s South Hills High School. She was named a National Merit Commended Scholar, National Hispanic Scholar, AP Scholar in four categories, Venture Scholar and was twice included in the Who’s Who Among High School Students. Taylor has also proved herself to be a talented individual outside of the classroom. She has competed in varsity tennis, volleyball and soccer year-round throughout her time at South Hills. Over the past few years, Taylor has been recognized by coaches as having “challenged herself to become a leader among her peers,” a goal which was met when her teammates elected her captain of the tennis team. She also leads her team as co-captain of the volleyball team. She currently serves as president of the Student Council, treasurer of her Class Council, vice president of the National Honor Society and is the Youth Board Cultural Orientations officer for Fort Worth Sister Cities International.
Casey Collins, Bishop Lynch High School
Casey Collins is a well rounded individual who has cultivated his academic and athletic talents while at Dallas’ Bishop Lynch High School. He is among the top two percent in his class and has been named a National Merit Semifinalist, Wendy’s High School Heisman School Winner and is the recipient of the Bishop Lynch High School Merit Scholarship. He also attended the United States Military Academy Summer Leaders Seminar at West Point. Casey has competed on the varsity football and wrestling teams for three years, playing a crucial role on both teams. He is known to be a leader among his teammates who “sets an exemplary standard of work ethic.” He is treasurer of the Student Government and a member of both the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society. Outside of Bishop Lynch, Casey is participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has given of his time to a variety of organizations to benefit other in the Dallas community.
Kelsey Musselman, Parish Episcopal School
Kelsey Musselman is a dedicated student and athlete at Dallas’ Parish Episcopal School. She is a four-year varsity athlete on both the volleyball and softball teams. Recognized by those who know her as “a strong individual who leads through quiet example,” Kelsey has led her teammates as captain of both teams for the past two years. Over the past seven years she has served as an integral part of the school’s volleyball program, and her devotion to the sport will continue next fall as she has committed to play for Columbia University. In the classroom, Kelsey is a concentrated learner who makes learning seem effortless. Ranking first in her class of 65, she is a National Merit Commended Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, is president of both Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society and the Math Club, and is an officer in the Student Social Awareness Club. She also volunteers her time to others in the community and is an active member in her church youth group.
Kevin Pohler, Fort Worth Country Day
Kevin Pohler is an individual whose leadership abilities stand out wherever he goes, particularly during his final year at Fort Worth Country Day. Academically, he has been recognized for his success by being named a National Merit Semifinalist, National Hispanic Scholar, Wendy’s High School Heisman School Winner and High Honor Roll. He has competed on the varsity basketball team for four years and the varsity football team for three. During his senior year he was elected by his teammates as captain of both, employing his leadership skills that continue to be developed. To Kevin, he may be “just a dorky jock who loves poetry”; however, to those who know him he is a “genuine and affable young man” who possesses a genuine concern for others. The Country Day senior is co-editor of the yearbook, a student ambassador and Link Crew leader, shepherding freshmen throughout the year, and shares his time and talents with others by acting as both a math and writing tutor.
“This year’s finalists are an exceptionally talented group of young men and women, and the Foundation is honored to be able to play a role in their college educations,” said David O’Brien, Jr., chairman of the Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship Selection Committee. “All six are outstanding individuals with potential to do great things, and we are excited to see what the future holds.”
Each finalist will be interviewed by the Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship Selection Committee before the winner is announced on January 20. The Selection Committee is comprised of David O’Brien, Jr., Karen Anisman, Raymond B. Kelly III, William Landreth, Jr., Roger D. Latham, Walter Littlejohn and Pollard Rogers.
Cantey Hanger and Frost Bank underwrite the Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship. Their generous support helps to ensure that deserving area high school students have the opportunity to create their own legacy of greatness through continued education.
About The Davey O’Brien Foundation
The Davey O’Brien Foundation (the Foundation) was founded in 1977 to honor and remember the strong character and leadership of football great, Davey O’Brien. Widely known for its Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award®, the Foundation recognizes champions on and off the field through national awards programs encouraging academic and career success. The Foundation has given away more than $750,000 in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field to leadership in life. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.DaveyOBrien.org.
About Cantey Hanger
Cantey Hanger, established in 1882, is a full-service law firm headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and represents clients in the following practice areas: Commercial Litigation; Corporate, Banking & Real Estate; Bankruptcy; Health & Insurance Law; Labor Relations; Tax & Estates; Public & Regulatory. It also has offices in Dallas and Southlake. For more information, go to www.CanteyHanger.com.
About Frost Bank
Frost is the banking, investments and insurance subsidiary of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR), a financial holding company headquartered in San Antonio, with assets of $14.1 billion at September 30, 2008. The corporation provides a full range of business and consumer banking products, investment and brokerage services, insurance products and investment banking services. Frost operates more than 100 financial centers across Texas in the Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio regions. Founded in 1868, Frost is the largest Texas-based banking organization that operates only in Texas, with a legacy of helping Texans with their financial needs during three centuries. For more information, visit www.FrostBank.com.
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