Mike and Tasha Black, parents of Drew Black, were on hand for the Sean Sweeney Scholarship recipient plaque dedication ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 prior the the Panthers’ boys soccer game against Jackson. Drew was the first recipient of this scholarship, but was unable to attend.
Tyler Flora | Record-Herald
On Thursday, Sept. 19, the Sean Sweeney scholarship recipient plaque was dedicated in Sean’s honor and also to highlight the recipients.
Sean’s favorite game of the season was when the alumni and current Miami Trace team played after the end of the school year. Back in the day, it would also include the Washington Blue Lions team.
After Sean’s passing April of 2021 the Miami Trace and Fayette County Soccer Community spearheaded by Caleb Perry, came together to honor him and in turn helped his widow, Lisa and his children by putting together the first annual Sean Sweeney Tribute Game as a fundraiser for the family. The Sweeney family was overwhelmed by the turn out and generosity of the community.
In 2022, the Sweeney family wanted to start an annual scholarship to be awarded to graduating senior players of either the Miami Trace boys or girls soccer team. They contributed the funds that year and awarded two Scholarships. To help with funding the Scholarship for 2023, they reached out to Caleb to put together the tribute game and the rest is history.
The inaugural recipients were Drew Black and Noah Perry. The 2023 recipient was Jana Griffith and the 2024 recipients were Katherine Hynes and Pierce McCarty.
The scholarship is available for all graduating students that have been on a high school soccer team for at least three out of four years of high school and have been accepted in a full-time status at an accredited or qualified post-secondary educational institution. The applications will be available at the Miami Trace High School guidance counselors office beginning in January.
The scholarship will continue to be funded with the annual tribute game played each year in June. The next game is scheduled for June 14, 2025.
