NEWS
Chasers Awarding Jackie Robinson Scholarships
Program rewards local students for their athletic and academic achievement
February 1, 2012
OMAHA, Neb. — The Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha, charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, is proud to announce the second annual Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship contest. The announcement comes one day after the 93rd anniversary of Robinson’s birth in 1919.
Two Omaha-area students, one male and one female, will be honored with $500 scholarships from the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha for their exceptional scholarship in the classroom, community involvement, athletic/activities achievement and other qualities. Last year, Omaha Bryan’s Galen Gullie and Omaha Burke’s Alexia Lawson won scholarships toward their studies during the 2011-12 academic year.
Jackie Robinson made history by breaking the color barrier in 1947, becoming the first African-American in Major League Baseball and following that season being named baseball’s first Rookie of the Year. The Omaha Storm Chasers recognize the importance of that achievement and the legacy Jackie Robinson left for all Americans.
“In an effort to continue the legacy of Jackie Robinson, we are proud have a program that will once again honor two area African-American high school student-athletes,” said Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers.
Interested applicants must submit their applications by March 16, 2012, with the winners being announced by March 30. To be eligible for the Robinson Athletic Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria: be a United States citizen or permanent resident; reside in Sarpy, Douglas, Cass, Lancaster or Pottawattamie County; have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; be African-American and a high school student participating in athletics or school-sponsored activities; and be a high school senior or graduate planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited postsecondary institution.
Each winner will be honored and have an opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Saturday, April 21 baseball game between the Omaha Storm Chasers and Nashville Sounds. This will be the first home game following Jackie Robinson Day, which is recognized throughout the game of baseball every April 15.
Please send completed applications by March 16, 2012 to:
Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha
c/o Omaha Storm Chasers
Attn: Andrea Stava
12356 Ballpark Way
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 738-5115