SportQuest all-American Program ::.. 2003

2003-2004 Scholarship Winners:

Female Winner: Kristen Akin

Kristen excels in three sports at Spring Hill High School in Longview, Texas, earning All-District and All-Region honors in volleyball, basketball, and softball, as well as being named as a First-Team all-American. Kristen also manages to maintain a 4.25 GPA while leading her school’s FCA huddle. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and is a class officer. She is very involved in her church’s youth group, and has worked with needy children in Montana while on a mission trip. Kristen says that although many people in the world have physical needs for housing, food, and clothing, she knows that “the most important resource [people] need is Jesus Christ.” Athletes of Good News is proud to confer a scholarship to Kristen to be used at the college or university of her choice.

Male Winner: Jeff Mews

Jeff is a two sport athlete at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, Arizona, excelling in both Football and Track and Field for the Panthers while maintaining a 4.04 GPA. Jeff was named as a First-Team all-American. He is also very involved in his school, church, and community, and is a member of the National Honor Society, is a leader in his FCA huddle, is a mentor for younger students, and has done inner-city mission work. Jeff’s driving passion? “I imagine myself teaching others that life is more important than the people and events that make up this world, that in whatever we do, we should do it for Jesus Christ who saved us from our sins.” Athletes of Good News is proud to confer a scholarship to Jeff to be used at the college or university of his choice.

Overcomer of the Year: Lauren Goulet

Athletes of Good News, in partnership with Challenger Films, is pleased to announce the winner of the 2004 “Overcomer of the Year” award. Lauren Goulet is a senior at Our Lady Academy in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where she plays soccer. Lauren was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 11, and Graves Disease a short time later. At 13 years old, Lauren was the youngest diabetic ever to run a marathon, which she did in order to raise funds for the American Diabetic Association. Earlier this year, her difficulties were compounded when she tore her ACL. However, she did not let this obstacle stop her either, and on February 14, 2004 she was able to score the winning goal to clinch Our Lady Academy’s fifth straight girl’s soccer state championship. Lauren’s goal in life? “I would share my experiences with others through the ministry of the Lord. I would tell about how I have overcome obstacles so that I may be able to inspire someone.”