BEST OF PREPS
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
Saturday-Sunday, June 27-28, 2020 • 1G
The Shawnee News-Star’s
2020 Best of Preps winners Bethel senior Emily Brock named Student of the Year, wins Jeep Renegade By Vicky O. Misa Vicky.misa@news-star.com (405) 214-3962 Twitter: @Vicky_NewsStar
For the third year, The Patriot Auto Group teamed up with The Shawnee News-Star to recognize the area’s best student. Each month administrators at participating area high schools submitted nominations for seniors who had excellent GPAs, displayed community leadership qualities, and were active volunteers, and displayed high moral integrity. Patriot Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Chandler provided a brand new Jeep Renegade for the Patriot Student of the Year to a student from a participating high school — this year’s winner was Bethel High School senior Emily Brock. During the school year, between September and April, two students of the month were selected by an impartial panel of judges based on nominations from school administrators. Those 16 students became finalists to win the Patriot Student of the Year award — and one received a new car after the News-Star’s fourth annual Best of Preps banquet that was held online this year on June 18. The remaining 15 students won scholarships.
Selected as one of the program’s April Students of the Month, Brock became Student of the Year, and won a brand new car, thanks to Patriot Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Chandler. Brock said being named Student of the Year was extremely exciting. “I am so grateful to everyone around me who has loved me, inspired me, and pushed me through high school,” she said. “This is an experience that I’ll always remember and will also stand as a reminder to keep striving for the best of myself.”
ABOUT BROCK “I’ve had the chance to get to know Emily, both as a student patron and as a senior student in my Library Science course,” Bethel High School Library Media Specialist and nominator Leah O’Rorke said. “From the moment Emily became a library aide, I recognized her commitment, determination, and value of literacy.” While keeping up with her studies, Brock has held an outside job at a coffee shop, managed the school’s basketball team for the last four years, was an officer in a very involved student council team, and managed an entire section of the middle
school/high school media center. “Emily exudes responsibility,” she said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Emily will succeed in whatever path she chooses.” O’Rorke said Brock’s motivation and attitude toward academics will continue to push her toward her dream of helping others. Among extra-curricular activities Brock is/has been involved in include Homecoming and Prom committees; musical production/ cast of Mama Mia; Hands for
McNeil, Hamilton selected as Athletes of the Year
WINNER, Page 2G
FFA Student of the Year winner
By Brian Johnson Sports Editor (405) 214-3932 bjohnson@news-star.com
Shawnee High School freshman swimmer Piper McNeil was selected Female Athlete of the Year, and Asher High School basketball/baseball senior Patch Hamilton was named Male Athlete of the Year as the Shawnee News-Star’s Best of Preps Virtual Awards Show was conducted on June 18. McNeil won two individual events and was part of one winning relay for the Shawnee Lady Wolves at the Class 6A State Swimming Meet. She set a state record in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 55.49 seconds. McNeil then claimed the top prize in the 200 individual medley by clocking in at 2:04.58 and then started the 200 freestyle relay as her team covered the distance in 1:41.12. For her efforts, McNeil was selected as All-City Swimmer of the Year by the The Oklahoman newspaper. “I was really shocked because I’m only a freshman. I didn’t expect it to happen,” said McNeil. “I was really proud of our relay team. The girls really worked together well.” McNeil attributes a lot of success to work outside the pool. “Weight training was one of those helpful things and I tried to have a better diet, more sleep and worked out before and after school,” she said. Hamilton, who also picked up the Basketball Player of the Year Award, was unable to play in his final high school basketball game due to a bout with the flu, and then COVID-19 ended his final
Piper McNeil
Patch Hamilton ATHLETES, Page 3G
The winner of the FFA Student of the Year was Keegan Carrera, of Shawnee. Pictured are Suzanne Gilbert, at left, Carrera, center, and Randy Gilbert. Carrera won a $500 cash award.