Wendy Hawk, a soon-to-be graduate of Washington High School, was the recipient of the 2016 Clarence A. Christman Jr. Award at a dinner meeting of the Kiwanis Club Tuesday evening.
The award, the 48th such honor, which dates back to 1969, is presented annually by the Record-Herald and the Kiwanis Club.
The award is named in honor of Clarence A. Christman Jr., who came up through humble beginnings in Washington C.H. and left high school to join the navy during World War II. He served on a submarine and was injured when the sub was attacked with depth charges.
He returned to Washington after the war, married and began a family.
Clarence continued to give back to the young people of the community as others had done for him in his youth.
He later became the city auditor and later, the city manager.
Clarence passed away after helping to fight a local fire.
The award is emblematic of excellence in academics, athletics and community involvement.
Hawk, the daughter of Don and Holly Hawk, was one of 14 student-athletes who were nominated for this year’s award. There were seven representing Washington High School and seven representing Miami Trace High School.
Record-Herald editor Ryan Carter and Kiwanian Gary Brock in turn announced the nominees, who came forward to receive their plaque and stand while their nominating coach introduced the parents and then spoke about the nominee for a few moments.
Since last year’s recipient, Jerimiah Jones, was unable to attend, Hawk was presented her winner’s plaque and a check for $500 from Gary Brock.
Hawk was an all-around athlete at Washington High School, lettering for four years in soccer, basketball and softball. The last two years, she was a place-kicker for the football team, receiving a letter her senior year.
Hawk has received a scholarship for music for Wittenberg. She plans to double-major in music and psychology. She will also continue her athletic career as a member of the Wittenberg softball team.
She was nominated for the award by her high school softball coach, Randy Elzey.
The following are some excerpts from Elzey’s comments.
“Wendy has been a relentless competitor on the softball diamond her entire career,” Elzey said. “She is one of those athletes who is compelled to win and willing to do whatever it takes, within ethical bounds, to make it happen.
“Her dedication and high character were evident when she was chosen to participate in the elite ASA/USA Ohio All-Star game in 2015. As a team captain, Wendy influenced team members to work hard towards, and be committed to, team goals.
“She currently holds nine season or career records in softball,” Elzey said. “It has been a pleasure coaching this young lady the past three years while watching her develop into an outstanding student-athlete and a community role model for all young female athletes in Fayette County. Wendy is a leader on and off the playing field, serving her classmates, teammates, community and church in many ways.”
“I want to thank my parents and thank my coaches,” Hawk said. “I wouldn’t even have been a nominee for this award if it wasn’t for them.
“When I was nominated, I wasn’t expecting to win,” Hawk said. “The other nominees are so amazing and so dedicated. I remember first hearing about this award when I was in the eighth grade. I always thought, ‘Man, that would be the coolest thing ever.’ And now I’m here and, it means so much to me. Wittenberg is really expensive, so, this is definitely going to go towards that.”
Former Christman Award Winners
1969………..Donald Bennett, Miami Trace
1970………..Tom Gifford, Miami Trace
1971…………Jeff Blake, Washington Senior
1972………….Bill Junk, Washington Senior
1973…………Glenn Gifford, Miami Trace
1974………….Chuck Wilson, Washington Senior
1975………….Jeff Smithson, Miami Trace
1976……………David Thompson, Washington Senior
1977……………Joe Black, Miami Trace
1978…………….John Moore, Washington Senior
1979……………..Debby Wheat, Washington Senior
1980……………Robbie James, Miami Trace
1981……………..John Lehman, Miami Trace
1982…………….Steve Grooms, Miami Trace
1982……………….Jenny Bienz Breedlove, Washington Senior
1983……………Darly Hennessy, Miami Trace
1984…………….Cathy Ward, Miami Trace
1985………………Jan Thompson-Roop, Washington Senior
1986……………….Jeff Bartlett, Washington Senior
1987………………Jason Johnson, Washington Senior
1988……………….Cathy Grover, Miami Trace
1989……………….Joe Ward, Miami Trace
1990……………….Miguel Lorente, Washington Senior
1991………………..Todd Henry, Miami Trace
1992…………………Jason Pittser, Washington Senior
1993……………….Jason King, Miami Trace
1994………………Betsy Lewis, Washington Senior
1995………………….Becky Ondrus, Washington Senior
1996………………..Farrah Pond, Washington Senior
1997…………………Michael Reeves, Miami Trace
1998………………..Clarissa Hitchon, Miami Trace
1999………………..Beth Walters, Washington Senior
2000…………………..Valerie King, Washington Senior
2001…………………Matt Zink, Miami Trace
2002………………….Mark Bihl, Washington Senior
2003…………………..Kiley Black, Miami Trace
2004………………….Mary Myers, Miami Trace
2005……………………Meredith Wilson, Miami Trace
2006…………………Kalyn Klontz, Miami Trace
2007…………………….Stephanie Stinson, Miami Trace
2008…………………..Travis Shaw, Washington Senior
2009…………………..Brett Garland, Miami Trace
2010……………………Jenna Cobb, Miami Trace
2011…………………….Juliane McKay, Miami Trace
2012………………………Landon Gibbs, Miami Trace
2013…………………….Judith Straathof, Miami Trace
2014……………………..Abby Schwenk, Miami Trace
2015……………………..Jerimiah Jones, Miami Trace
2016………………………Wendy Hawk, Washington
