ORGANIZATION’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP TO AWARD $25,000 TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WHO EXEMPLIFY OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP; TOP WINNER WILL RECEIVE $15,000

APPLICATION PACKET NOW AVAILABLE

ST. LOUIS – Feb. 8, 2022 – The St. Louis Sports Commission is accepting nominations for its annual Carl Fricks Sportsmanship Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors from the St. Louis metro area who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship in athletic competition.

This year, the organization will award $25,000 in scholarship funds with the top award winner receiving $15,000 to apply to higher education expenses. Administered by the Sports Commission Associates – the Sports Commission’s young professionals group – the scholarship program is part of the organization’s efforts to celebrate and elevate sportsmanship in the community.

The Sportsmanship Scholarship application packet can be obtained online at sportsmanship.org/scholarship. Nominations must be received by April 8, 2022. The recipients will be selected by April 30. The scholarship will be awarded for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Scholarship candidates should be nominated for embodying the ideals and values of sportsmanship – honesty, integrity, civility, selflessness, kindness, compassion and class – on the playing field. Those connected to athletic teams, such as student managers and cheerleaders, also are eligible for the scholarship should their leadership and behavior represent an extraordinary model for all in sports to follow. While off-field activities and community service are applauded, scholarship candidates will be evaluated for their approach and character in competition. Athletic performance (wins and other statistics) does not factor in the selection.

Greatest consideration will be given to nominees who demonstrate a track record of sportsmanship and respect directed at opponents, officials and the spirit of the game.

The Sports Commission Associates created the Sportsmanship Scholarship in 2009 to recognize and reward local high school seniors for their character in competition. The group raises funds for the program and selects its recipients. In 13 years, the Associates have awarded $157,500 to 48 college-bound area students. Their bios can be viewed by clicking here. The Associates host an annual trivia night fundraiser to support the scholarship. The 2022 trivia night will take place on Saturday, February 19 at Temple Israel in Creve Coeur. For more details, click here.

The Sportsmanship Scholarship is named in honor of the late Carl Fricks, who embodied the virtues of sportsmanship. Through this gesture, the Associates recognized the selfless efforts of Carl’s daughter, Holly Yoakum, who chaired the group and was a champion for the scholarship initiative. Holly passed away unexpectedly in 2017, leaving so many friends and colleagues heartbroken. The Sports Commission and the Associates are dedicated to honoring Holly’s memory and legacy by growing the Sportsmanship Scholarship and carrying out her passion for doing good in the community.