News Summary

Tara Watkins from Naples High School has been honored with the Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Award, accompanied by a $10,000 scholarship. This recognition signifies her impressive achievements in both athletics and academics, as she prepares to further her career at Furman University. The award ceremony celebrated not just her dedication and hard work but also acknowledged the support from her school and community. With an exceptional GPA and numerous accolades, Tara is a role model for her peers.

Naples High School’s Tara Watkins Takes Home Coveted Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Award with $10,000 Scholarship

In an exciting celebration of achievement, Naples High School has once again made its mark by crowning Tara Watkins as the latest recipient of the prestigious Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Award. This recognition marks Tara as the 12th athlete from the vibrant Naples High community to earn this esteemed accolade. The awards were presented during the 36th annual banquet held at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburon, on Thursday, May 15, and it was a night to remember as Tara celebrated her hard work and commitment.

An Athletic Journey to Remember

As Tara prepares to continue her athletic career in cross country and track at Furman University, she reflects on the incredible journey that has brought her to this point. Not only has she achieved impressive athletic feats, but she also praises Naples High for its exceptional coaching staff, strong academics, and the unwavering support from teachers. She’s just one of 14 outstanding nominees from various high schools in Collier County, each worthy of admiration for their dedication and academic accomplishments.

Scholarship Highlights and Recognition

The Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Foundation shows its commitment to supporting student-athletes by providing $5,000 to each finalist, with the grand winner receiving a total of $10,000. This generous scholarship is awarded at $2,500 per year, making it a tremendous opportunity for students to further their education while pursuing their athletic dreams.

Tara’s impressive track record includes winning three Most Valuable Runner awards in cross country, showcasing her skill and persistence. She has also brought home multiple state medals in track, placing seventh in the 800 meters and sixth in the 4×400 relay during her senior year in Class 3A. But Tara’s talents do not stop there; she played softball for the first three years of high school, earning All-Area honors in both cross country and track. This feat places her among the best in the region. As a four-time Naples Daily News All-Area First-Team selection, her reputation as an elite athlete is well-established.

Academic Achievements and Community Involvement

In addition to her athletic prowess, Tara has shone brightly in the classroom, boasting a weighted GPA of 4.89 while undertaking 12 Advanced Placement (AP) and seven Honors courses. Her leadership skills were evident early on, as she proudly served as the Student Body President during her freshman year and played an active role in Student Government. Not stopping there, Tara was co-chair and social media manager for the TOM’S Campus Club and served as treasurer of the National Honor Society.

Community involvement is also a big part of Tara’s life. She volunteered with the Gulf Coast Runners Youth Track Team and participated in Project Unify Day for the Special Olympics, showing her commitment to making a difference. Furthermore, she even dedicated two weeks volunteering at an animal shelter in Costa Rica, reflecting her passion for animals and humanitarian efforts.

Inspiring Futures and Grateful Moments

The evening of celebration concluded with an inspiring talk from guest speaker Jonathan Vilma, a former NCAA champion and Super Bowl champion, emphasizing the importance of applying principles from sports to real life. The event also recognized past Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete finalists, showcasing Naples High School’s consistent success and impact in shaping future leaders.

As Tara Watkins embarks on this exciting new chapter at Furman University, the Naples community is filled with pride for her outstanding achievements. The support and dedication of both Tara and Naples High School serve as a shining example of what can be accomplished with hard work, passion, and a little bit of heart.

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