Broadneck Celebrates Student Athletes

The 5th Annual Broadneck Senior Athletic Awards Banquet was held Thursday evening at Broadneck Evangelical Presbyterian Church where over 400 guests honored the senior athletes from the Class of 2011.

“This event has grown steadily over the last five years and is a very special evening for our seniors; we try to make it a first class event,” said Broadneck High School Athletic Director Ken Kazmarek.

As attendees were sitting around beautiful candlelit tables, the ceremony opened with a welcome from Broadneck principal David Smith. He shared that his most vivid memories from his high school years involved sports events and that those experiences gave him his most significant life lessons.

“The lessons I learned were from both my athletic successes and also from some profound losses,” Smith told the crowd.

Following Smith’s remarks, the Invocation was provided by Rev. Rich Gray and then parents, athletes, coaches, administrators and friends enjoyed a delicious buffet provided by Blue Water Catering.

After dinner, dessert and coffee, the awards began with the two college scholarships that are awarded each year by the Bruins Booster Club. Bob Storey, Boosters president, presented Alli Dawson and Cameron Rowe with a $1,000 scholarship for their athletic abilities and academic achievements.

Next, Athletic Director Kazmarek and Assistant Director Clayton Culp invited all the teams up to the front of the room, and both men took turns honoring all the players for their many successes and accomplishments.

The Lucinda Hudson & Lawrence E. Knight Award was given to one senior male and female athlete with the highest overall GPA and who has a minimum of three years of athletic participation. Both athletes chosen were multi-sport athletes, members of the National Honor Society and spend their free time volunteering for charitable causes. Jenna Tribull, with a GPA of 4.5, was presented the Lucinda Hudson Award and Avery Wentworth, GPA 4.47, was chosen for the Lawrence E. Knight Award.

Another highlight was the recognition of the Bruins 1986 Maryland state champion field hockey team. Many of the team's players were able to attend the banquet and tell the seniors what it was like to be an athlete at Broadneck 25 years ago. At that time, Phoebe Kelly was head coach and was also named AACPS Coach of the Year.

After many awards and recognitions, Kazmarek made the closing remarks, wishing the senior athletes success for the future.