Congratulations to our Tom Spooner Nominees
Congratulations to our Tom Spooner Nominees
Last week we honored our 2023 Tom Spooner Award Nominees: Eliajah Randle, Nathan Gay, Casey Gay, Jalen Hayes, Angel Mendez Lopez, Cole Madison and Alexander Estrada Cortez. The Tom Spooner Award is given annually to an outstanding senior male athlete who demonstrates achievement in athletics, citizenship and academic excellence. This award is named in honor of Tom Spooner, a Richfield High School athlete, who died from leukemia in 1959 and personified these criteria.
Special congratulations to our 2023 Tom Spooner winner, Casey Gay. Casey is an outstanding four-sport athlete, competing in Cross Country, Football, Basketball and Track & Field. During his athletic career, he has earned four All Conference Awards and two Conference Honorable Mentions. Last year, he was a state qualifier in the 800m dash and placed 10th in Class AA. In addition to his athletic achievements, Casey is a member of the National Honor Society and has accumulated over 100 hours of community service during his senior year, while participating in four different sports! He also has the highest grade point average in the senior class, and is ranked in the 99th percentile in the nation on the ACT.
One of Casey's earliest athletic memories is related to track, but happened long before he started running. "When I was in elementary school, my twin brother Nathan and I were running the mile at the yearly wellness expo, and some of the high school runners joked that we were going to be track stars someday when we ran past them. I did not start running track until seventh grade, but I like to think back on that joke."
Casey will attend University of St. Thomas and major in the STEM field—he's considering physics, actuarial science or engineering. If he continues to excel on the track, there is a chance he could earn a spot on the track team as a walk-on next year. Congratulations, Casey!
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The 2023 Richfield High School Marching Spartans wrapped up their season in July following 14 performances at parade contests and other special events throughout the state. They performed exceptionally well throughout the season and set school records for overall scores, placements and caption awards along the way.
“Juan brings positivity wherever he goes,” said ELL teacher JoHanna Andrews. “Despite not being at Richfield High School for all four years, he has really helped create an inclusive community amongst our new-to-Richfield ELL students.”
“Trey is remarkably gracious,” said counselor and Track & Field coach Jessica Okey. “He always takes the time to thank people who have helped or supported him. He is kind, respectful and joyful.”
“Bruce is a smart, reflective and caring senior,” said RHS kitchen assistant Sarah Jesperson. “Bruce has grown up so much over this past year and I am so very proud of him for finishing the year strong and deciding to apply to college. Bruce overcame so much to get to this point in life and I know his future will be bright! Keep shooting for the stars Bruce, I know you will do great things!"
“Syncerely is a dedicated student who has high standards for herself,” said teacher Erin Huber. “She sets difficult goals and then rises to the challenge and continually reaches for the next accomplishment. She is kind to everyone, a hard worker and thoughtful about how she interacts with the world and what she wants for her future."
“Tino came to the US from Togo, Africa at the height of the pandemic when we were distance learning,” said RHS counselor Jessica Okey. “He came to a new place at a strange time and did not speak much English. He has come so far and worked so hard and has a warm, jovial personality."
“From the first moment I met her, Maggie has demonstrated what it looks like to be a lifelong learner,” said teacher Madame Steele. “She loves learning and isn’t afraid to try things outside of her comfort zone."
“Chris has a positive attitude and an incredible drive to achieve,” said his English Language Arts teacher Karah Holle. “His determination and focus on his future is admirable. I know that Chris is going to accomplish great things for himself and his family."