Carroll's Wagner, Winamac's Gearhart earn Cato Scholarships
May 7—The Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc. announced this year's group of 13 senior student-athletes who will be honored with the 2021 C. Eugene Cato Memorial Scholarships.
To reward the efforts of Indiana's complete student-athletes, Methodist Sports Medicine, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, Sport Graphics, Inc., and Franciscan Health Systems have all partnered with the IHSAA and the IHSAA Foundation to sponsor the program. These well-rounded, positive role models have demonstrated excellence in academics, school and community involvement, character, sportsmanship, and citizenship.
Each individual will receive a $2,500 scholarship for their prep accomplishments and be recognized at this year's Thomas A. Brady Sports Achievement Awards Dinner established by Methodist Sports Medicine on June 3.
Winamac's Aubrey Gearhart and Carroll's Megan Wagner were selected for the award.
Gearhart, a nine-time varsity letterman, ranks second in her class of 67 students with a 4.18 GPA. She lettered four times in basketball and softball and served as senior captain for both teams. She also earned a varsity letter in volleyball her senior season. She earned All-Conference recognition in softball. Outside of her athletic achievements, she was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Athletic Leadership Council, the Conference Math Team, and the Sunshine Society. Gearhart also made time to make a difference in her community serving through her local church by volunteering at vacation bible school and providing meals for families in need, offering lawn care service to elderly members in the area, collecting toys and gifts for youth in need around Christmas time, raising money for Riley Children's Hospital, and giving back to youth sports in her community through mentoring and coaching. She will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University.
Wagner is a 10-time varsity letterman in cross country (4), basketball (4), and track and field (2). She has earned All-State honors in cross country and All-Conference honors in basketball. She also served as senior captain of the basketball team this past season. At school, she has served as National Honor Society Vice President, Senior Class Vice President, and participates in Student Council. She has earned a 4.15 GPA during her time at Carroll, which ranks first in her class of 73. Outside of the classroom, she participates in FFA and 4-H activities. She is currently Carroll FFA President, as well as Indiana FFA District V President. In the community, Wagner has volunteered by providing food for youth in need with Hope for Hunger Food Bank, helping with Carroll County Community Center events, and by assisting in numerous food/toy/school supply drives in her area. She will be Attending Purdue University in the fall.
