Gridiron Club of Dallas 14th Annual Awards Banquet Honors High School Scholar Athletes
Pictured: High School scholar-athletes with Scott Murray, Murray Media (front left), Sonny Dykes, TCU head football coach (2nd row left), and Bill Jones, sportscaster for KTVT-CBS11 (back right).
The NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas Chapter held their 14th annual awards banquet on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the Addison Marriott Quorum by the Galleria and honored 52 high school scholar-athletes for their performance on the football field, excellence in the classroom, and service in the community.
Scholar-Athlete of the Year
The 2023 Scholar-Athlete of the Year was awarded to Cameron Hammond from Colleyville Heritage High School. Cameron is a 2-year letterman as a defensive end and outside linebacker and as a senior served as a team captain. He is an All-District football player, 1st team Academic All-State, and plays three positions on the baseball team.
Cameron has a 5.1267 GPA and serves the community by coaching football and baseball camps in the summer, leader of the “Night of Hope” program, coordinated and led the Martin Luther King Day of Service program, and was an honorable mention recipient of the Dr Martin D. Jenkins Scholar Award for Gifted Black Students.
Pictured below (L to R): Marty Secord (former Wakeland HC), Cameron Hammond, Chan Isom (current Wakeland HC), Colin Peek (2022 winner), and Gerald Brence (president)
Scott Murray Community Service Award
Carlos Eduardo Orozco from Carrollton R.L. Turner High School was selected as the 2023 Scott Murray Community Service Award for his philanthropic efforts and impact on the community he serves. Carlos is a 3-year letterman as a linebacker and fullback, All-District, and served as team captain his senior year.
He has a 3.75 GPA, Honor Roll, and held the highest GPA on the football team. He earned Distinguished Level of Achievement (STEM)-Endorsement, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Math, Engineering, Technology and Science Academies. Carlos has over 40 hours of documented community service and is heading to the University of Texas at Arlington this fall.
Pictured below: Scott Murray (Murray Media), Carlos Orozco, & Gerald Brence (president)
Army Black Knight Award
The 2023 Army Black Knight award was presented to Adam Rourke, Highland Park High School, for his outstanding achievements on and off the field.
Adam is a 3-year letterman as a defensive back, team captain his Senior year, Dallas Morning News Player of the Week nominee both as a junior and senior, All-District, Sports Day High School Hero of the Week, and plays varsity baseball.
He has a 4.45 GPA and has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Finalist, 1st Team Academic All-State, and many other academic awards. He is involved in Service League, Best Buddies, the Goodwill Club and has raised almost $6,000 for various community organizations.
Pictured below: Ryan Brence (former Army football player), Adam Rourke, and Gerald Brence (president)
Click here to see a full list of award winners and honorees from the 14th Annual Gridiron Club of Dallas Awards Banquet.