Adam Grabowski from Vacaville Christian and Jenna Ogi from California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS) were selected on Tuesday 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.)
Grabowski, who has a 3.96 combined GPA, was a three-year varsity captain of the Vacaville Christian basketball team. He averaged 22.5 points per game during the 2017-18 season with 10 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He led a team that went 16-13 and played in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 6 playoffs. Grabowski, who also played varsity soccer and volleyball earlier in his prep career, has excelled athletically, academically and in extra- curricular involvement.
In addition to athletics, Adam 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, who plans to major in business and economics at an undecided college. “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 teacher and head basketball coach David Kuch. “Adam epitomizes integrity, selfless service and excellence in everything he does.”
Ogi is a three-sport athlete at CAMS, which operates in Carson on the campus of Cal-State Dominguez Hills and is a member of the CIF Southern Section. She has participated in cross country, soccer and track and field all four of her high school years and has served as team captain in all three sports as a senior.
At the Coastal & Omega League track championships last spring as a junior, Ogi placed third in three events — the 400-meter dash, 800-meter run and 1600-meter run. She has run in the CIFSS Division IV cross country meet and she ended her varsity career in soccer with 34 career goals.
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, who has a 4.00 GPA and is undecided on a college with future doctor interests such as human biology, pre-med and neurobiology. “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.”
2018 CIF Scholar-Athlete SECTION Winners=
Central Section
William Alexander, Centennial (Bakersfield)
Kristen Lamb, Bishop
Central Coast Section
Daniel Frees, Mountain View
Kimberly Chin, Salinas
Los Angeles City Section
Natalie MacEwan, El Camino Real Charter (Woodland Hills)
North Coast Section
Jacob Smith, McKinleyville
Elizabeth Wetmore, Lower Lake
Northern Section
Ralph Gonzales, Winters
Madison Corder, Fall River (McArthur)
Oakland Section
Gil Roberto Lopez, Coliseum College Prep Academy
Soledad Vasquez Cerrillo, Coliseum College Prep Academy
Sac-Joaquin Section
Ryan McAvoy, Granite Bay
Lauren Miller, El Capitan (Merced)
San Diego Section
Justin Wilkey, Canyon Crest Academy (San Diego)
Sophia LeRose, Torrey Pines (San Diego)
San Francisco Section
Zhuohuan “Jeffrey” Li, Raoul Wallenberg
Victoria Louie, John O’Connell
Southern Section
Matthew Salerno, Crespi (Encino)
Mollie Hittinger, Lutheran (La Verne)
