Six prep football players honored at banquet
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, December 5, 2018
The Snohomish County Football Officials Association awarded scholarships to six high school seniors Wednesday night at its annual banquet at Rose Hill Community Center in Mukilteo.
The winners were selected based on five factors: citizenship, leadership, school involvement, athletics and academics.
The winners included:
Archbishop Murphy linebacker/running back Luke Riojas ($3,000 scholarship). Riojas served at an area soup kitchen and as a volunteer with Special Olympics. He is active in his church and was part of a service trip to Mexico, where we worked as a translator and helped build a feeding center.
Lake Stevens tight end/defensive back Chase Winkler ($3,000). Winkler volunteered with local youth sports organizations and Kiwanis, and participated in the school’s blood drive. He also worked with “Little Hungry Hearts,” collecting and organizing food donated for children in need.
Cedarcrest wide receiver/cornerback Michael Norris ($3,000). Norris is a member of The Boy Scouts of America and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He volunteered as a baseball and softball umpire, as well as a football referee.
Lakewood running back Spencer Neiffer ($2,000). Neiffer has been involved in several school leadership programs, including serving as ASB secretary. He also volunteered his time mentoring young athletes in various sports camps.
Snohomish lineman Cole Kelsey ($2,000). Kelsey has spent several years preparing and packaging meals for those living in third-world countries. He also volunteered for and supported an organization that helps women further their education.
Darrington lineman Ian Ayers ($2,000). Ayers served as the ASB and FBLA treasurer. He was part of a coalition working to reduce youth substance abuse and counseled elementary-age children. He also worked with the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group to improve salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest.
