SUNN (Swimming) Citizen Merit Award
The SUNN Citizen Merit Award was established in early 2023 to recognize outstanding student athletes who demonstrate SUNN’s core values of Integrity, Community, Responsibility, Passion, and Work Ethic. This award is merit-based and does not consider the financial need of the applicants.
Award Details
The number of awardees and size of each award are based on available donations that year. In general we plan to provide four awards to graduating seniors at $500 each.
Awards will be presented at the Annual Gala in May.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the SUNN Citizen Merit Award, athletes must meet the following criteria:
1. Be a graduating senior in High School and planning to attend a 4 year college in the Fall.
2. Be an active SUNN member for at least 2 years cumulatively.
>> This affords athletes who take a break from SUNN due to high school swimming, medical needs, or other personal reasons to be eligible, so long as the combined membership is 2 years or more.
3. Maintain a GPA of 3.5 out of a 4.0 scale (high school transcript required)
4. Be in good standing at SUNN with no record of misconduct.
Athletes who are children of the SUNN Board of Directors, Officials, Coaches, etc. are eligible to apply. Applications are reviewed by an independent Review Committee.
Application Process
The application period runs through the beginning of May every year. Applicants should submit a narrative answering the following questions:
> How has SUNN Swimming empowered you to be a better person and helped you reach your personal goals? (200 words)
> How have you consistently demonstrated one of SUNN's core values within our swim club? (150 words)
> What advice would you offer to a swimmer entering their last year with SUNN? (150 words)
> What activities and/or work experiences have you dedicated yourself to outside of SUNN Swimming?
> What is your intended college and major (if known)?
Note: Put your name and swim group on a cover sheet and not within the body of the narrative as the evaluation will be anonymous. Also, please indicate on the cover if we may highlight your responses at or following the award ceremony, such as in the newsletter. Electing for or against sharing your story will have no bearing on the selection process.
To apply, submit the above information in a PDF, plus your transcript, to [email protected] by May 6, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Review Committee
Two board of directors, a swim coach, and two parent volunteers will comprise the Award Review Committee. In the event the applicants are child(ren) of the Review Committee, the Review Committee member will recuse himself/herself from voting.
The two parent volunteers are selected every year in April.
Questions
Contact Judd at [email protected].
