The REPORTER
Ryleigh Gee of Fishers is among the 17 senior student-athletes that received scholarships from the IHSAA, the IHSAA Foundation and Forté Sports Medicine.
Gee was named the recipient of the Parker Amet Champions Together Post-Secondary Scholarship. As a symbol for inclusivity and kindness, the IHSAA and IHSAA Foundation are honored to partner with friends of the 2016 Carmel High School Prom King to award the Parker Amet Post-Secondary scholarship to one partner athlete who participated in their school’s Champions Together program.
Announced in 2021, the Parker Amet scholarship annually awards $2,000 of financial support to a partner athlete who continues the work of the scholarship’s name. These recipients are leaders within their schools and champions for a better community. These future and current leaders have demonstrated high character, ability to work alongside and support others and, above all else, high moral character.
Gee is not only a high achiever in academics but also a dedicated community servant. She has demonstrated a genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of others through her involvement in Unified Flag Football, Unified Track & Field, and the Champions Together Club at Fishers. Gee serves as president of the Champions Together Club and consistently goes above and beyond to serve the community, school, and her fellow student-athletes with compassion and integrity. Participating in Unified Sports has had a profound and lasting impact on Gee’s life and has opened her eyes to the beauty of diversity and the importance of inclusivity. In her words, “Unified Sports is a community where differences are celebrated, not hidden. It provides a safe and inclusive space for everyone to come together, regardless of their abilities. This program has taught me that everyone has something valuable to contribute to and that our differences are what make us truly unique and special. The friendships that I have formed through Unified Sports are truly priceless and I am grateful for each and every one. I know they will last a lifetime.”
In addition to her efforts with Champions Together and Unified Sports, she is a member of the National Honor Society, Best Buddies, and Future Farmers of America. Gee is also active with her church, where she has been able to make a difference worldwide through mission trips to Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Her service projects ranged from building houses and schools to providing clean water, food, and medical care to people in need.
What truly sets Gee apart are her exemplary leadership skills. She has a natural ability to inspire and motivate others, leading by example and fostering a collaborative environment in all her extracurricular activities. Whether it’s leading group projects in class or spearheading initiatives in her club participation, Gee’s leadership shines through in everything she does. She’s committed to making a positive impact in all areas of her life and using her skills and abilities to make the world a better place.
To be awarded, applicants must be nominated by an administrator from their school who believes they excel in each scholarship’s unique criteria and requirements. Applications for all seven scholarships were opened this past Spring with over 100 completed applications received from across the state.
The IHSAA Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, alongside representatives from the family and friends of each scholarship’s name, determined the final recipients based on the cumulative work and experiences in competition, within the classroom, and impact on their community.
Scholarships awarded range between $1,000 and $2,000 and are to be awarded at ceremonies throughout this spring – including the Inaugural IHSAA Foundation Impact Awards on Tuesday, May 7 at Gridiron Hall, within the Indianapolis Colts Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.