OLYMPIA, Wash. – Inspired by his intern’s ability to keep up with the fast-paced environment in Olympia, on the court, and in the classroom, Washington State Representative Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle) decided to officially recognize scholar-athletes on the state House floor. Eight Northwest University student-athletes were among those being honored. Resolution 4647 was adopted by the House of Representatives.

 

Approximately 100 students from colleges and universities throughout Washington state were honored for their academic accomplishments as scholar-athletes. Each student was recognized on the House floor for demonstrating outstanding academic success by meeting a minimum GPA of 3.0, competing in intercollegiate athletics and actively contributing to their community through volunteerism and/or involvement in student organizations.

 

“As a former student athlete, I’ll never forget the difficulties in attempting to spread my time between school, sports and other activities,” Pettigrew said. “These students exemplify what it means to go above and beyond. In addition to the countless hours they spend prepping for each game, they’ve acknowledged the importance of education and community involvement.”

 

Northwest University student-athletes selected by Pettigrew’s office and recognized are: Kyle Wall (Junior, men’s soccer), Shauna Marshall (Senior, women’s soccer), Rachel Mitchell (Senior, women’s basketball), Brittany Bowsher (Senior, women’s basketball), Greg Peters (Soph., men’s basketball), Nate Rheaume (Junior, men’s basketball), Andrea Cotton (Senior, volleyball), and Libby Hellwig (Senior, volleyball).

The resolution read in part:

"WHEREAS, The National Consortium for Academics and Sports, whose mission is to create a better society by focusing on educational attainment and using the power and appeal of sport to positively affect social change, has celebrated National Student-Athlete Day on April 6th since 1987; and

WHEREAS, Many scholar-athletes have pursued excellence through post-secondary education opportunities while facing challenging circumstances; and  

WHEREAS, Scholar-athletes serve as mentors who go beyond providing spectators with dreams and aspirations of becoming a successful athlete and lead by example by displaying that academic achievement is an admirable accomplishment that portends a promising future; and

WHEREAS, Anyone who has ever been discouraged while confronting obstacles or experiencing adversity knows the need for a mentor, hope and inspiration, and scholar-athletes continue to positively influence others by virtue of illustrating what can be achieved through diligence and perseverance; and

WHEREAS, While scholar-athletes encourage people to dream, they set high standards with their ability to consistently meet rigorous athletic requirements while honoring the importance of education; and

WHEREAS, Maintaining a strong drive and dedication requires sacrifice and persistence that is deserving of recognition; ...."