Courtesy Photo Alcona’s Keilee Elmer was selected as a girls Class C finalist for the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award.

Of the 120 finalists that were announced last week for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Awards for the 2016-2017 school year, Alcona’s Keilee Elmer was selected among 23 other girls as a Class C finalist.

“I found out last Sunday when my principle contacted my mom asking her to pass along to me that I was a finalist,” Elmer said. “I was both excited and honored to find out I was the first to make the cut to the finals in at least five years.”

Elmer is a three-sport athlete at Alcona High School as she competes in volleyball, basketball and softball.

The program has recognized student-athletes since the 1989-90 school year and this year will again honor 32 students from MHSAA member schools who compete in at least one sport in which the Association sponsors.

In order for Elmer to be eligible for the award, she needed a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher and needed to receive a varsity letter in one of the sponsored sports.

“Keilee is a hard working and respectful young lady who excels on and off the court and field. She is a perfect representative for this scholarship and our school is lucky to have her as part of the Tiger family,” Alcona Athletic Director Dan O’Connor said.

After responding to a series of essay questions, submitting two letters of recommendation and a 500-word essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics, Elmer will now have the opportunity of possibly being selected as one of the Scholar-Athlete Award recipients.

If selected, Elmer will be a part of a ceremony that will take place during halftime of the Class C boys basketball finals on March 25, at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing and will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

“I feel great to be recognized for my academic as well as athletic accomplishments,” Elmer said. “I would like to thank my parents, coaches and friends along with my community for supporting me through the years.”