The Needham S. Cheely, Jr Scholarship Award
The Needham S. Cheely, Jr. Scholarship Award, established in 2005, currently recognizes two 14-year old participants at the North American Final who demonstrate leadership, character, sportsmanship and athletic performance. Participants are observed by a regional nomination committee throughout the weekend and one male and one female can be nominated by each region; a random drawing is conducted to select the winning region for each gender. The winners are awarded a $2,000 scholarship upon starting their freshman year of college.
The award is presented in memory of Ned's 29-year commitment to the program and his belief in providing opportunities for young people. He began serving as Virginia’s State Chair in 1978 and became Regional Coordinator for the Southeast Region in 1990. The scholarship is an ongoing way for Ned to keep “doing it for the kids” and for Hershey’s Track & Field Games to continue its emphasis on the importance of physical fitness and sportsmanship. Ned passed away in 2005 at the age of 83.
Past recipients:
- 2009 Treydonte Hill - Dickson, TN (Region 8) and Morgan Milbrath - Minot, ND (Region 5)
- 2008 Valencia Hannon - Elmont, NY (Region 7)
- 2007 Peyton Watson - McLoud, OK (Region 4)
- 2006 Whitney Shanae Fountain - Bronx, NY (Region 7)
- 2005 Francelle Hill - Houston, TX (Region 4)