OTTAWA — Two Ottawa-Glandorf students were named as winners of the U.S. Army/Pro Football Hall of Fame Award of Excellence.
The prestigious award is given to only 25 students across the U.S. O-G senior Emily Annesser, 18, and junior Jay Kaufman, 17, were both among the winners.
To have two students from the same school is a rare occasion.
“I was pretty excited when I found out about it,” Jay said. “Two have two kids from the same school get it out of only 25 people in the nation, it made it even more exciting.”
Jay is a standout for the boys basketball and football teams. He was the first team All-Western Buckeye League quarterback this past fall. Annesser has been a two-sport standout in both volleyball and softball. She was Western Buckeye League and District Eight Division II Player of the Year this past volleyball season.
“I think it is awesome,” Annesser said.
As winners, both students will be awarded in a ceremony at 3 p.m. May 16 at O-G High School. Both students will receive their plaques from a current Hall Of Fame football player. The list of potential presenters includes John Randle, Kellen Winslow, Aeneas Williams, Anthony Munoz, Marcus Allen, Andre Reed, Bruce Matthews, Derrick Brooks and Thurman Thomas. Each finalist will also select a teacher who has been influential in their academic career to be recognized.
“These students embody the excellence and dedication that both Army soldiers and Pro Football Hall of Famers bring to their own lives every day,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Mark Davis. “The Army is proud to be honoring this group.”
“The finalists exemplify the Hall’s core values of commitment, integrity, courage, respect and excellence,” said Pro Football Hall Of Fame Chief Operating Officer George Veras.
Annesser, Jay, and the other finalists will be featured at a special luncheon Aug. 5 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, where the overall winner will be announced. All 25 student-athletes also are able to attend the induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame class of 2017, featuring Morten Andersen, Terrell Davis, Kenny Easley, Jerry Jones, Ladainian Tomlinson and Kurt Warner.
The award is open to sophomore, junior and senior student athletes. The honor focuses on athletic achievement, excellence in academics and community engagement.
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