Ethan Hathcock and Brooke Shirley are the 2019 recipients of a Foothills Striders scholarship. The awards are given each year to two Blount County students, who have distinguished themselves academically as well as physically by participating in sport activities, such as biking, hiking and/or running. Both Hathcock and Shirley will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Striders in the fall to assist with their upcoming college expenses.
Hathcock is a graduate of Heritage High School and the son of Greg and Pam Hathcock. He plans to attend Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina, and major in Biology and Pre-Med. Shirley is a graduate of Maryville High School and the daughter of Mark and Jill Shirley. She plans to attend Samford University in Homewood, Alabama, to pursue a physical therapy degree.
Hathcock has been involved in sports since middle school. He ran on Cross Country teams, plus local 5K races. In addition, for many years he was the only state qualifier in swimming. He also plays tennis, rides a bike at Cades Cove, and hikes with his family. Both his reference letters emphasized Hathcock's leadership ability. He was president of the Student Council and team captain for the cross country team.
Shirley has competed in track and field events for six years as a runner and a jumper, plus soccer and dancing. She lettered for two years on the school's soccer team and has been a competitive dancer for 10 years. What is remarkable about Shirley is that even when she suffered an injury she still showed up for practice or a meet to cheer and encourage her teammates. Shirley also volunteered for an athletic-based mission trip to Costa Rica to distribute athletic supplies to local schools and communities.
Since 1987, the Foothills Striders has awarded $84,900.
For a complete list of Scholarship winners please check the club's website at www.foothill striders.org.
