Spectrum Bay News 9 is proud to honor our February Scholar Athlete for the 2019-2020 school year, Max O’Rourke. Max is a three-sport standout from Springstead High School in Hernando County. He plays football, basketball and baseball.  

• Max O’Rourke received $1,000 scholarship for school of his choice

• For more about our Scholar Athlete Program, including rules and submission form, click here

Max recently received a certificate from Hernando County School Superintendent, John Stratton. He'll receive a $1,000 scholarship for the school of his choice at the end of the this school year. 

In addition to basketball, football, and baseball, Max also serves on the IB Community Beautification Project, is a member of the National Honor Society, and serves communion once a month with his family to the elderly at Encompass Health.

Athletic Director and Assistant Football Coach, Dustin Kupcik says, "Max has shown a tremendous work ethic in all facets of his training and fitness.  He encourages teammates to raise their level of commitment and drive as well.  He has exhibited loyalty and strong leadership skills on and off the field/courts, both with his actions and words.”

SCHOLAR ATHLETE

The 2019 – 2020 Spectrum News Florida Scholar Athlete Program provides coaches, teachers, administrators and school counselors in public and private schools in Orlando and Tampa the opportunity to nominate a high school senior who otherwise meets the eligibility criteria to be named as a Spectrum News Scholar Athlete.

Nominees are a) high school senior at public or private high schools in the Markets; b) involved in varsity athletics; c) have an excellent academic record; and d) be involved in extra-curricular activities (e.g. band, newspaper/yearbook, etc.) and/or be active in their local community either through their school or volunteering on their own time.

This school year, each school district will select their nominee, then that student will be profiled on Spectrum Bay News 9, and be presented the $1,000 scholarship by a local/state lawmaker.