SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Hannah Garrity (Clear Lake HS), Quinn Hartman (Marina HS), Justin Kang (Downtown Business Magnet School), Keryssa Li (Milpitas HS), Jessica Nakanishi (Lassen HS), and Kimo Oh (La Costa Canyon HS) were named the recipients of the prestigious CIF Spirit of Sport Award for 2023-24 school year. These six statewide winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship, an award, commemorative patch, and be recognized at the spring CIF Federated Council luncheon on April 5, 2024, in San Francisco.
“Congratulations to the six deserving recipients,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “These student-athletes embody the intent and spirit of education-based athletics.”
The CIF Spirit of Sport Award recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm, are active in school and community service, and exhibit leadership qualities. The principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm are the operating principles of the CIF and have been adopted by the 1,624-member high schools throughout the state.
Fall Honorees
Keryssa Li is a two-sport athlete at Milpitas High School and captain of the cross country and track teams. She is also President of the Math Club and a member of the LEO Club at MHS and is the founder and President of Sage Education, a nonprofit providing extracurricular educational services for K-12 students. Additionally, she plays four instruments and is a National Merit Semifinalist.
“Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate this ambitious side of myself,” states Li. “Through high school sports, I’ve learned that my competitive spirit is one to be admired. It has provided me with the resilience and optimism I’ve since carried to other aspects of life…”
Kimo Oh is a member of the football and track and field teams at La Costa Canyon High School (Carlsbad) and is also captain of the school rugby club. Additionally, he is senior class president and the school site council chairman for LCC.
“Education-based athletics have provided me with confidence and purpose,” states Oh. “Working hard every day in the classroom and on the field has led me to an increased understanding as to who I am and the capabilities within me.”
Winter Honorees
Quinn Hartman is a three-sport athlete at Marina High School (Huntington Beach) serving as team captain of the soccer, cross country, and baseball teams. He is the founder and President of the Marina Math Club, President of the Science National Honors Society, Vice President of the Medical Career Club, Vice President of CSF, and is a three-year member of the National Honors Society.
“Throughout my high school athletic career, I have participated in three sports…To me, each of these activities has their own unique experiences that have molded me into a better
student, teammate, and community member,” states Hartman. “…as my high school career comes to an end, I find myself looking way beyond the scoreboard to the better individual I have become as a result of the journey being a student-athlete has presented.”
Jessica Nakanishi is captain of the soccer and field hockey teams at Lassen High School (Susanville) and also serves as the FBLA Community Outreach Officer, is President of Interact Club, and is the public relations officer for CSF. Additionally, she also plays harp and violin in the Susanville Symphony.
“High School athletics is not only where I made my best memories but also where I made my best friends,” states Nakanishi. “High School athletics gave me a place to belong, and it
was a space where I felt secure in who I was... High School Athletics shaped me to not only become the best player I could but also the best person.”
Spring Honorees
Hannah Garrity is captain of the track and cross country teams at Clear Lake High School (Lakeport), and also films for the football team. She is also part of the school Interact Club, Student Council, 4-H, CSF, and serves as class secretary/treasurer.
“While competition is an important part of sports, there is so much more to high school athletics than that,” states Garrity. “For me, sports have always been the chance to push ourselves to our best, and to help others do the same.”
Justin Kang is a member of the track and cross country teams at Downtown Business Magnet School (Los Angeles), also serves as ASB and class treasurer, and is vice chairperson for the student site council. Additionally, Kang is a Young Leaders Summit Scholar, Vice President of the Mathematician Society, and Vice President of the LEO Club.
“Belonging to teams like track and field and cross country provided a sense of camaraderie and connection, fostering an environment where communication and collaboration were paramount,” states Kang. “My commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support was not only integral to my personal growth but also contributed to a positive and inclusive team dynamic.”
Additionally, the CIF will select a male and female Section winner, for each season of sport, from all submitted applications to receive a $1,000 scholarship. A list of all Section recipients will be announced at a later date.