Andrew Penner of Morris School was one of four recipients of the Manitoba’s Credit Unions High School Scholar Athlete Awards. 

These $1,000 scholarships are awarded to graduating high school student athletes who maintained a minimum 85% average and competed in at least two interscholastic sports. 

Other criteria included school, community, volunteer, and citizenship activities. The other three award winners were Katelyn Dorsch of Warren Collegiate, Ayva Khan of Vincent Massey Collegiate and Russell Outhwaite of Killarney School.

The presentation took place at a ceremony hosted by Her Honour, the Honourable Janice C. Filmon, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba at Government House. Awards were presented by the Lieutenant Governor Janice C. Filmon, MHSAA Past President Irene Nordheim, and Tim Klassen of Manitoba’s Credit Unions.

Andrew Penner participated in volleyball, curling, track & field, badminton, and soccer. He was named a Manitoba Graduating All-Star and Captain of his volleyball team. His team won the Zone banner for curling and was a semi-finalist at this year’s Provincials, and he has won various MVP and player of the game awards for volleyball. He is a member of the school’s honour roll and has an academic average of 98.5%. Andrew is the Co-President of the Leadership Team and organizes different activities at the school. He is a JV volleyball coach and plays in the concert and jazz bands. He is a scorekeeper, and referee for volleyball, as well as being part of the Grad Committee and the math and run clubs. Andrew is a Level 10 Royal Conservatory Pianist and volunteers as a pianist at his church. He plays club volleyball and competes in the Manitoba junior curling tour.

"Being an active participant in a community will bring an individual joy in the most genuine form," stated Penner. "High school athletics are an accessible and fun way to be involved in a community, obtain valuable life skills, and grow as an individual. I have been a strong multi-sport high school athlete since eligibility, particularly in volleyball. My experiences as a high school athlete have given me the confidence and skills to further pursue extracurricular activities and be a leader in my school and community. High school athletics have not only fueled my passion for leadership and volunteerism but have given me a team perspective and taught me several transferable skills applied in school, work, and everyday life.  These skills include time management, leadership, and communication. High school athletics have been a significant factor in my development as a person. I can say with certainty that I would not be the person I am today without high school athletics."

The other three award winners were Katelyn Dorsch of Warren Collegiate, Ayva Khan of Vincent Massey Collegiate and Russell Outhwaite of Killarney School.