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Finalists For DAC High School Athlete Of Year Honors Announced Today At Noon At Dodge Display At Auto Show
14-Jan-03
Twelve outstanding scholar-athletes will be introduced amidst the glitz and glamour of the North American International Auto Show when the Detroit Athletic Club announces the finalists for its Michigan High School Athlete of the Year Award.  The announcement will take place at noon, Tuesday January 14, at a press conference taking place at the Dodge display at the North American International Auto Show.

Two of those athletes—one male and one female—will be named DAC High School Athlete of the Year at the Dodge National Athletic Awards.  The awards, televised across America on Fox Sports Net, will take place on Tuesday, March 11 at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit.

The twelve outstanding scholar-athletes are:
  • Kara Lynn Joyce, of Pioneer High School
  • Danielle Kamm, of Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central High School
  • Jackie Gaydos, of Allen Park High School
  • Victoria Lucas-Perry, of Flint Powers Catholic High School
  • Erin Poglits, of Marian High School
  • Julie Johnson, of Laingsburg High School
  • Matt Harmon, of East Kentwood High School
  • Jeff Jansen, of Jackson High School
  • Jason Thornsberry, of Huron High School
  • Matthew Christian, of Brother Rice High School
  • Garrett Bushong, of Ionia High School
  • Joe Novak, of Warren De LaSalle Collegiate High School
The Dodge National Athletic Awards raise funds in support of March of Dimes efforts to save babies through programs of research, community service, advocacy and education.  Last year’s event raised more than $300,000.

Taking part in Tuesday’s press conference are Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Marketing, March of Dimes Executive Board Member Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, and incoming Detroit Athletic Club President Mary Kramer.

The high school athletes will sharer the stage with nationally renowned figures from the world of sport.  Jim Kelly, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, is one of the 2003 honorees.

The award recognizes athletes for their performance on and off the field of play.  Among the past winners of the DAC High School Athlete of the Year Award are Shane Battier, now a star in the NBA, and former University of Michigan quarterback Drew Henson, currently playing baseball for the New York Yankees.

Tickets to the Dodge National Athletic Awards are $200.  For further information, call the March of Dimes at (248) 359-1550.