2023 LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
$5,000 Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2022 and is awarded to a past scholarship recipient who has “stayed the course” (pun intended) and continues striving for excellence on a collegiate level, athletically and academically. The recipient is chosen by The Morrison Family and presented at the annual 5K Run/Walk.
Colton Aycock
He has undergone a lot of change since his introduction to the Texas Panhandle. But I think he’s found his home here. His faith is unwavering. He is a strong leader who has worked hard to reach his goals on the course, the track, in the classroom & life. He runs Cross Country & Track at WT and will graduate in May with a degree in Computer Information Systems. We’re honored to present this year’s $5,000 LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP to one of John Michael’s teammates & the first recipient from 2020.
2023 Endurance Scholarship
$3,000 Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2023 and awarded to assist in the success of past recipients that continue to pursue their education and career success but not running in college. “Let us run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us”. Hebrews 12:1.
Baylor Avery
He is actively involved in his fraternity and manages to work two jobs. He will graduate from WT next May with a degree in Wildlife Biology. We’re proud to present The FIRST JMM $3,000 ENDURANCE SCHOLARSHIP to another of John Michael’s teammates and an original recipient from 2020.
2023 Lightning Scholarship
$5,000 Scholarship
This scholarship was also established in 2022 and awarded to exceptional Amarillo Area high school seniors who exhibit John Michael’s passion for long-distance running. These recipients have proven character and leadership skills. Many of them will continue their running careers on a collegiate level.
Abree Winfrey
She competed in Varsity Cross Country all four years at Canyon High School where she was the leader of two State Champion Cross Country teams in 2019 & 2020. She medaled (top 10) all four years. She also competed in Varsity Track all four years and was a key member of the Runner-Up State Champion Team in 2021 and the State Champion Team in 2022 and, most recently, 2023. Aside from her amazing athletic career, she is involved in many extracurricular activities and is very successful in the classroom. She also makes time to work part-time, be involved with her church youth, and volunteer for several community organizations.
Sierra Sanchez
She ran on the Varsity Cross Country all four years and was Team Captain this past year. She competed in the State Cross Country Meet each year and made it to the podium with her team this past season as they placed 3rd in the state. She also ran on the Varsity Track team all four years, winning numerous medals and awards. She leads by example & is a team player who takes pride in herself & her team’s successes. She takes the same hard-working determination and applies it to her schoolwork. Whether running or in the classroom, she always strives to do and be her best.
2023 Memorial Scholarship
In 2023, 8 applicants were chosen to receive this scholarship. These recipients have demonstrated a passion for the sport of running and shown leadership and the ability to address and overcome challenges.
Brynn Oeschger
She was chosen from Amarillo High School to receive a $3000.00 Memorial Scholarship; Brynn has participated in Cross Country all four years, is a leader among her peers, excels in the classroom, and has a true servant’s heart.
River Johnson
He became interested in long-distance running in junior high. His passion and determination are evident in his success in Cross Country & Track. He played a key role in leading and communicating with his Cross Country teammates. As a senior leader, he helped make the State Championship happen. His dedication carries over into the classroom, where he excels and is ranked 3rd in his class. He also is very active in his church and the community. River was awarded a $3,000 scholarship.
Gunnar Willis
He ran Cross Country his sophomore thru senior years and with his team, he advanced to Regionals this past season. He also ran long-distance track all four years. Gunnar was a Team Captain of the Cross Country team his senior year. He led his teammates by listening, encouraging & making himself available to them no matter what. Gunnar’s dedication carries over into the classroom where he excels and is ranked 4th in his class. He is also heavily involved in several community service programs. Gunnar was awarded a $3,000 Memorial Scholarship.
Alex Pinter
She ran Cross Country for three years with her team. She advanced to the State Cross Country Meet in her junior and senior years. Alex has a passion for people and a strong work ethic, and she is a gentle leader to her peers. She is involved in her Church and strives to be Christ Like in all she does. Alex was awarded a $1000.00 Memorial Scholarship.
Abrial Alcalde-Atkinson
While at Boys Ranch, Abrial participated in Cross Country and Track. She didn’t always love running but learned to embrace it, the community, and the accountability of competing on a cross-country team. Abrial also shows her love for others by volunteering for several organizations. And most importantly, she loves the Lord. Abrial was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Itzel Aldaco
She was awarded Academic All-State in Cross Country and competed in Regionals this past year. Itzel was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She exhibits strong leadership skills with her teammates, peers, and community. Itzel also shows her character and true servant’s heart by volunteering in numerous community outreach organizations and with her church.
Chloe Cochran
Last year, Chloe achieved the Academic All-State recognition in Cross Country and took part in the Regionals. She received a scholarship worth $1,000. Chloe demonstrates excellent leadership abilities when interacting with her teammates, peers, and community. Additionally, she exemplifies her character and compassionate nature by volunteering for various community outreach organizations and her church.
Kinley Cornelsen
She has demonstrated a passion for running and an incredible determination to overcome a major medical challenge. She is a dedicated student, a leader among her peers, a mentor to younger runners, and actively involved in her church and several community organizations. Kinley was awarded a $1,000 Memorial Scholarship.
2022 Scholarship Recipients
LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
$5,000 Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2022 and is awarded to a past scholarship recipient who has “stayed the course” (pun intended) and continues striving for excellence on a collegiate level, athletically and academically. The recipient is chosen by The Morrison Family and presented at the annual 5K Run/Walk.
Samuel Ashley
Samuel is the first recipient of this new scholarship. He met and exceeded several personal goals during his Freshman year at Texas Tech and will be running for the Texas Tech Red Raiders Cross Country Team.
Samuel will always be John Michael’s inspiration and we know he is so proud.
2022 Lightning Scholarship
$5,000 Scholarship
This scholarship was also established in 2022 and awarded to exceptional Amarillo Area high school seniors who exhibit John Michael’s passion for long-distance running. These recipients have proven character and leadership skills. Many of them will continue their running careers on a collegiate level.
Alex Bettag
Alex plans to study Education and run track at Eastern New Mexico University.
Miles Cox
Miles will study architecture and running Cross Country at the University of Houston.
Romi Rubio
Romie will study Business Management and run for the FIRST Amarillo College Badger Cross Country Team in the Fall of 2022.
Colton Thurman
Memorial Scholarship
$1,000 Scholarship
In 2022, SIX applicants were chosen to receive this scholarship. These recipients have demonstrated a passion for the sport of running and shown leadership and the ability to address and overcome challenges.
Tatum Abbruscato
Tatum is planning on studying Engineering at the University of Arizona.
Isael Giron
Sebastian Hernandez
Reema Russell
Reema plans to study Music at Stephen F Austin University.
Aydin “Kate” Soukup
Janessa Torres
2020-2021 Scholarship Recipients
$1,000 Scholarship
Below are the previous recipients of the John Michael Morrison Memorial Scholarship. The Morrison Family is honored to award scholarships to Senior Class Cross Country/Track runners at Randall High School who have exhibited the same character and passion for running.
Your continued support will enable the Morrison Family to continue to honor John Michael’s memory and his love of running while helping fellow athletes continue their education.
Hanna Moreno
Hanna Moreno is one of the first Athletes to receive a $1000.00 scholarship from the John Michael Morrison Memorial Scholarship in 2020. Hanna aspires to receive her degree in Nursing.
Baylor Avery
Baylor Avery is one of the first Athletes to receive $1000.00 from the John Michael Morrison Memorial Scholarship. Baylor aspires to receive his degree in Animal Science.
Colton Aycock
Colton Aycock is one of the first Athletes to receive a $1000.00 scholarship from the John Michael Morrison Memorial Scholarship in 2020. Colton aspires to receive his degree in Sports Medicine. Congratulations Colton
Hannah Garrett
Hannah Garrett is a recipient of $1000.00 from the John Michael Morrison Memorial Scholarship in 2021. Although Hannah did not run with John Michael at Randall High School she was a distance runner at Bushland High School. Hannah and John Michael were close, and both loved running. Hannah plans to attend West Texas A&M University to get her degree in English.
Samuel Ashley
Samuel Ashley is a recipient of $1000.00 from the John Michael Morrison Memorial Scholarship 2021. Samuel is a great athlete that has the same passion for distance running as JM had. JM always looked up to Samuel and aspired to be as fast as him. Samuel will continue his running career in college.
James Moody II
James Moody II is a recipient of $1000.00 from the John Michael Morrison Memorial Scholarship. James was a distance runner at Amarillo High School. James competed with JM on a district level in 2019. James told Amanda and me after receiving the Scholarship that JM was a fierce competitor and that he was his rabbit that he chased. James will attend Texas A&M University to get a degree in Engineering.
Daniel Miskimen
Daniel Miskimen is a recipient of a $1000.00 scholarship from the John Michael Morrison Memorial Scholarship in 2021. Daniel shared the same passion for the sport of distance running that JM did. Daniel ran with JM all through school. Daniel told Amanda and me after receiving his scholarship that JM was the encouragement that kept him running. Daniel took JM’s place on the Randall CC Team as Team Captian after his accident. Daniel will get his degree in Business Management at West Texas A&M University.
Vicente Flores
Vicente Flores is a recipient of a $1000.00 scholarship from the John Michael Morrison Memorial Scholarship Program. Vicente shared the passion and competed in Cross Country at Randall High School with JM. Vicente told Amanda and me that JM was the person that influenced him the most. He led him to a more healthy lifestyle physically, mentally, and spiritually. Vicente will receive his degree in Electrical Engineering at Texas Tech University.
