Senior Eric May from Fieldcrest HS will be attending Judson University to complete his undergrad studies in Physical Therapy.
Senior Eleanor Spencer from Flanagan-Cornell HS will be attending Millikin University to complete her studies in the field of Athletic Training.
Senior Cody Shelmadine from Tuscola HS will be attending Eastern Illinois University to complete his undergrad studies in Physical Therapy. He is shown with PT Cory Hanley from the Champion clinic in Tuscola whom Cody attributes as the inspiration to entering this field.
PTHS PE Co-department heads Gary Brunner (L) and Betty Murphy are joined by AD Ryan Pearson to collect the Indians award.
Marshall High AD Pete Manuel (C) is flanked by Girls BB Coach Kathy Miller, teacher Sara Brannan, Boys BB Coach Tom Brannan, Head FB Coach Todd Evers, and Volleyball/Track Coach Mike Farrell.
In the end, the students at Pontiac and Marshall High Schools were the real winners. The Best Team Since 1996 contest resulted in both finalists each earning $500 for their PE departments after a computer system malfunction was discovered during the final competition. Pontiac High was represented by their 2002 Class 5A semi-final football team, and the school felt this “gift” was a fitting send-off to retiring co-department head Betty Murphy, a long-time proponent of fitness in the schools. Marshall High AD Pete Manuel decided to share the wealth. Each of the elementary/junior high schools that feed into Marshall received $100 apiece, while the high school itself kept $200.
The 2nd Annual Champion Fitness Physical Therapy/Jill Bane Memorial Scholarship winners were announced Monday, May 2. A group of 19 applications was received for the 2011 awards. Applicants had to be entering the field of physical therapy or athletic training after their high school careers, and they were to include a letter of reference from a non-family member, a copy of their transcript, and a 1-2 page personal essay answering the question “How have my high school experiences prepared me to enter the physical therapy/athletic training field?” A panel of judges reviewed all materials.
The 2011 winners are:
1. Eric May Fieldcrest High School
2. Eleanor Spencer Flanagan-Cornell High School
3. Cody Shelmadine Tuscola High School
Each of these three winners will receive a one-time $1000 scholarship. Congratulations!
