Ten basketball players (5 boys and 5 girls) from Illinois high schools have been selected as winners of the 2018 Victor Zeinfeld “Spirit of Perseverance” Award in conjunction with Northbrook, IL based The Charity Stripe.
They were each awarded a $1,000 cash prize to help further their education in special ceremonies held at their schools April 12 and 13th in front of teammates, coaches, administrators and their families.
BOYS AWARD WINNERS
- Trevor Moore, Proviso East
- Jarron Nordstrom, Geneseo
- Justin Hart, Amboy
- Tommy Gardner, Maine South
- Charlie Johnson, Mt. Carmel
GIRLS AWARD WINNERS
- Dadrianna Gibson, Proviso East
- Kylie Graves, Elgin
- Gwen Helmerdinger, Pearl City
- Abbey Goldsmith, Pearl City
- Kelly French, Regina Dominican
Andy and Suzanne Zeinfeld, in fulfilling a wish to honor their late father’s love and passion for basketball as well as his meritorious service in WWII, judged essay nominations submitted by high school basketball coaches across Illinois.
Mr. and Ms. Zeinfeld then selected five boy and five girl basketball players to win this award based on how well they exemplified the spirit of perseverance and demonstrated true character to themselves and their teammates.
According to the Zeinfeld’s, “Our father attributed much of his success off the court to so many lessons he learned on the basketball court: the importance of commitment, dedication, leadership, sportsmanship and perseverance; to be part of a cohesive team, to compete honestly and fairly regardless of the game’s outcome. To inspire and motivate others through your attitude and actions and, above all, never ever quit.
They added, “We hope this award will inspire young basketball players to maximize their abilities and demonstrate perseverance against all challenges not only on the court but also overcome all adversities throughout their lives.
Mitch Salzstein, Executive Director of The Charity Stripe continued, “We’re so thrilled to team up with Andy and Suzanne to help honor their father, Victor. As a charitable organization featuring basketball events, its amazing to help recognize these young players who lead by example, inspire others and aspire to make our world a better place.