ORGANIZATION’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP TO AWARD $15,000 TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WHO EXEMPLIFY OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP; TOP AWARD WINNER WILL RECEIVE $10,000

APPLICATION PACKET NOW AVAILABLE

ST. LOUIS – Feb. 4, 2016 – 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.  This year, the organization will award $15,000 in scholarship funds with the top award winner receiving $10,000 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 promote sportsmanship in the community.

The Sportsmanship Scholarship application packet can be obtained online at sportsmanship.org/scholarship or by calling 314-345-5130.

Nominations must be received by April 4, 2016.  The recipient will be selected by April 30.

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.  Athletic performance (wins and other statistics) does not factor in the selection.  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 standard and model for all in sports to follow.  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 seven years, the Associates have awarded $45,000 to 20 college-bound area students.  Their bios can be viewed by clicking here.  The Associates host an annual Trivia Night to support the scholarship.  This year’s Trivia Night will take place in August.  To participate, call 314-345-5101.

In 2013, the Sportsmanship Scholarship was named in honor of the late Carl Fricks, whose daughter, Holly Yoakum, chaired the Associates group.  Holly is a passionate champion for the scholarship, and her father embodied the virtues the award seeks to recognize.

For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-345-5121
bshulman@stlsports.org