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Brooke Woodward won the
inaugural Miramonte Integrity in Aquatics Scholarship Award
(excerpt below).
Congratulations
Brooke!
Congratulations on being the inaugural winner of
the Miramonte High School Integrity in Aquatics Scholarship. I
could not imagine a more deserving individual, or one more
representative of the cornerstones of what this recognition is
designed to acknowledge.
I have seen all too clearly that it is not
navigating the academic or athletic landscape that is the most
challenging for youth.
It is navigating the character landscape; to live a life of
integrity in the midst of extreme social and peer pressures. You have not only done
this, but become the standard. You have been the quintessential
student-athlete and a role model for those who value and pursue
athletics, academics, and character on a high level. Your gifts transcend sports and
should be emulated by every young athlete. I have watched you grow into an
extraordinary young woman and not only live a life of character but
a life of conviction. You have demonstrated stoic
purpose, deliberate thought, and sincere compassion. While many do make good
decisions, most do so silently. They know what is right but do
not take a stand against what is wrong. Through your incredible maturity,
you have done this, and set yourself apart. And from a swimming perspective,
your integrity in the water is simply impeccable – every day,
every set, every lap is executed with purpose and focus. You have been a coach in
the water and the one whose opinion I respect and value most.
You have not only made a year-round commitment to
swimming, you have made a year-round, and a life-long commitment to
character, to discipline, to sacrifice, and to a greater good
– your team.
While your path has not been easy, it has only revealed the
tremendous resilience, perseverance, and mental and physical
fortitude that defines your life. You have shown that success in
life does not and should not come without commitment and without a
price. Few can live by
the saying, “Don’t ask for anything, if you are not
willing to give everything.” And thus, you lived your own
quote, “what you are becoming day by day is infinitely more
important than what you are today.” Look at what you have become, day
by day - a leader, a role model, an inspiration, the pinnacle of
respect, and “world class.”
The quotes mentioned previously not only apply to
you, they are you.
“Followers see the
hard work they must endure to climb the mountain of success, while
leaders see the success of climbing the mountain of hard
work.”
And, “when he took the time to help the man up the mountain,
lo, he scaled it himself.” Thank you for helping our team up
the mountain. And my
favorite, “The world waits for you, in the place where you
are. Heal it now. There is much you can
do.” Brooke,
there is much you have
done.
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