2018 CIF State Scholar-Athletes of the Year Announced

2018 CIF State Scholar-Athletes of the Year Announced

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Adam Grabowski from Vacaville Christian High School and Jenna Ogi from California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS) were selected as the 2018 CIF Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Since 1982, the scholarship award identifies student-athletes who excel in the classroom, athletics, and are strong contributors to their schools and communities. 

“I want to congratulate Adam and Jenna, and the exceptional group of nominees this year that exemplified the best in education-based athletics,” said CIF Executive Director Roger L. Blake. “The students of California and our CIF scholar-athletes continue to confirm for all of us involved in high school activities that the future is bright.”

Grabowski and Ogi were selected from a pool of 207 candidates representing 1,587 CIF member schools and more than 800,000 student-athletes statewide. The State Capitol and Senate and Assembly Floors will honor Grabowski and Ogi on Thursday, May 31 in Sacramento. In addition, each will receive a $5,000 scholarship award.

Additionally, 19 CIF Section winners earned a $1,000 scholarship award. (See below for complete list)
                       

Adam Grabowski, Vacaville Christian High School (Sac-Joaquin Section)

Grabowski is a three-year varsity captain of the Vacaville Christian High School basketball team where he’s won numerous honors. He has excelled athletically, academically and in extra-curricular involvement. He has held other various leadership positions at VCHS including: Interact Club President, Student Council Treasurer, National Honor Society Treasurer, Leaven Camp Coordinator. Additionally, Grabowski’s extensive community service involvement earned him the rank of Eagle Scout, along with many other awards.

“As a multisport scholar-athlete, I have grown as an athlete, humanitarian and scholar,” states Grabowski. The positive relationships and events have provided me a strong foundation to build upon. The CIF’s Pillars of Character are pivotal in my past and future success.”

“Adam is a proved leader and academic role model. He is a superior trailblazer who exemplifies the leadership, respect, responsibility and citizenship needed for our nation’s continued success in the future,” praised Vacaville Christian High School Teacher and Head Basketball Coach David Kuch. “Adam epitomizes integrity, selfless service and excellence in everything he does.”

“Adam has been a ubiquitous presence in our school community. He is a spirited, a leader through his service and a genuine young man,” states Vacaville Christian High School Principal Joseph Rowland. “Perhaps most importantly, Adam is trustworthy and has consistently exhibited strong integrity.”

Vacaville Christian High School Athletic Director Michael Gomez adds, “Adam excels at everything he attempts because of his dedication to self-improvement, and inability to accept anything that is less than perfect.”           

  • GPA: 3.96
  • College: Undecided 
  • Career Interests: Business, Entrepreneur
  • College Major: Business, Economics
  • Primary Sport: Basketball

 

Jenna Ogi, California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Southern Section)

Ogi is a three-sport athlete at CAMS participating in cross country, soccer and track and field all four years and served as team captain in all three sports as a senior. A National Merit Commended Scholar, Ogi is very involved in her school as a member of Key Club, Health Occupations Students of America Club, ASB, Chorus, National Honors Society and CSF. Additionally, she has interned at both the Stanford and UC Irvine Medical Centers.

“To be an athlete is to be a game-changer, a leader, and a fighter,” states Ogi. “It means being physically tough and mentally strong and proving to others and yourself that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. Yes, you’re exercising; but most importantly, you’re exercising character.”

“Jenna has the desire, self-discipline and the attitude to do well at anything she chooses,” states CAMS Athletic Director Renee Brown. “With her many accolades and demonstrated academic and athletic success, Jenna has the capacity to see her future plans come to fruition.”

“Jenna is a fantastic young girl who understands that there is more to soccer than winning: there is hard work, teamwork, unity and integrity that are all just as important as the score at the end of the game,” states CAMS Soccer Coach Gerson Justiniano.

CAMS Head Counselor Barry Baker adds, “As a very bright and multitalented individual like Jenna, her college potential is exponential in nature.” 

  • GPA: 4.00 
  • College: Undecided 
  • Career Interests: Medicine
  • College Majors: Human Biology, Pre-Medicine and Neurobiology
  • Primary Sports: Soccer and Cross Country

 

2018 CIF Scholar-Athlete SECTION Winners

Central Section
William Alexander, Centennial H.S.
Kristen Lamb, Bishop Union H.S.

Central Coast Section
Daniel Frees, Mountain View H.S.
Kimberly Chin, Salinas H.S.

Los Angeles City Section
Natalie MacEwan, El Camino Real Charter H.S.

North Coast Section
Jacob Smith, McKinleyville H.S.
Elizabeth Wetmore, Lower Lake H.S.

Northern Section
Ralph Gonzales, Winters H.S.
Madison Corder, Fall River H.S.

Oakland Section
Gil Roberto Lopez, Coliseum Coll. Prep Acad.
Soledad Vasquez Cerrillo, Coliseum Coll. Prep Acad.

Sac-Joaquin Section
Ryan McAvoy, Granite Bay H.S.
Lauren Miller, El Capitan H.S.

San Diego Section
Justin Wilkey, Canyon Crest Acad.
Sophia LeRose, Torrey Pines H.S.

San Francisco Section
Zhuohuan “Jeffrey” Li, Raoul Wallenberg H.S.
Victoria Louie, John O’Connell H.S. 

Southern Section
Matthew Salerno, Crespi Carmelite H.S.
Mollie Hittinger, Lutheran H.S.