Since 1998 the Southern Arizona Chapter of the National Football Foundation has awarded approximately $220,000 in scholarships for higher education assistance while honoring nearly 215 scholar athletes from over 35 different Southern Arizona high schools.
Scholar-Athlete Honorees will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college or university they will be attending in the fall, according to released issued by the Southern Arizona Chapter of the NFF-CHOF.
The honorees were to be recognized at the 23rd Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet to be held at noon on Saturday, April 25 at The Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park.
Three Gila Valley athletes were named to the 2020 Southern Arizona Scholar Athlete list.
Todd Stringfellow has earned a $1,000 scholarship to continue his education. He was a 1st Team All-Conference Quarterback, and 1A South Region Player of the Year at Fort Thomas High School. Todd earned a 3.8 GPA while a member of Student Council and National Honor Society. Todd also volunteered with his church youth group and aspires to be an EMT and Wildland Firefighter.
Jaden Preston from Fort Thomas High School has also earned a $1,000 scholarship to continue his education. He was a 1st Team All-Region Offensive Lineman and a Three sport athlete. While serving as Student Body President, Jaden earned a 3.51 GPA, as well as the Scholar Athlete award for three sports. Jaden shared that he is a proud member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and will be the first person in his family to attend college.
Lucas Basteen from Duncan High School was also named a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete. Lucas will receive a $1,000 scholarship to continue his education. He was president of his church youth group and volunteers for highway cleanup. Lucas was a 1st team All Conference and All Region Running Back. Lucas earned a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as Future Business Leaders of America.
One of the Honorees, will be nominated for the National Football Foundation National High School Scholar-Athlete Award to be presented in December 2020 in conjunction with the 63rd Annual National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Induction Dinner in New York City.
The full list of the 2020 Scholar Athletes are:
Tanner Wengert, Marana
Bruno Fina, Salpointe
Damaggio Strevay, Cienega
Todd Stringfellow, Ft. Thomas
Trent Strong, Salpointe
Lucas Basteen, Duncan
Aidan Talucci, Marana
Austin Brooks, Canyon del Oro
Brian Castellanos, Sabino
Jaden Preston, Ft. Thomas
William Parker, Catalina Foothills
