Team Reps and Coaches,

GKAISA Scholarship Nominations are Due TOMORROW BY 5:00 pm.

TOM SCHUMANN AND BILL LAUER SERVICE AWARDS

2019 GKAISA Scholarship Information is available on the GKAISA website. Only one girl and one boy from a team may be nominated for the Tom Schumann and Bill Lauer Service Awards. The nomination must be signed by the head coach. The applications are due via email submission by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2019 to GKAISA president Angelia Nystrom at [email protected]. Please include a photo (head shot) of the nominee. Photos of all winners will be displayed on the scoreboard during the award presentation.

JAMES RICH COURAGE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY AWARD

Thanks to the generosity of one of our dear GKAISA friends, we will be awarding the James Rich Courage-in-the-Face of Adversity Scholarship Award this year.

James Rich (1964-2015), an eighth-degree black belt in Taekwondo and first-degree black belt in Weeping Style Jujitsu, was a principled, honorable and devoted man to many children and families in the Knoxville community. He led children to be strong and pushed them to be great. With unrivaled tenacity and indomitable spirit, James battled an aggressive cancer that had already spread throughout his body at the time of diagnosis. During the time he battled cancer, he continued to be looked to for guidance and grit, stability, and security.

A scholarship in his memory has been established, and the amount of $500 will be awarded to one swimmer who meets the following criteria:

• A competitor in the 15-Up age group;
• In the last year of GKAISA eligibility; and
• Who had overcome adversity or who has shown exceptional leadership.

James Rich was an honorable man who was a role model for thousands of Knoxville-area athletes over several decades. We are proud to be able to be able to offer this generous award in his memory.

Applications should be submitted to GKAISA President Angelia Nystrom at [email protected] on or before July 17.

Many thanks,

Angelia Nystrom

GKAISA President