ANNUAL POP WARNER ALL-AMERICAN AWARDS PROGRAM ATTRACTS LARGE CROWDS AND FAMILIAR FACES "
Priest Holmes was the winner of this year's Glenn S. "Pop" Warner Inspiration to Youth Award, which is presented to an individual who has inspired the youth of today to become great achievers of tomorrow.
Over 2,000 people traveled to the Coronado Springs Hotel to recognize the academic achievements of the many young football players, cheerleaders and dancers from across the United States. Along with awarding the scholar-athletes, Pop Warner Little Scholars also paid tribute to the various celebrities who have given their time and efforts back into the community and the youth of America. Those on hand included 2001 NFL rushing leader Priest Holmes, Kansas City Chiefs Full Back Tony Richardson, NCAA Executive Director Cedric Dempsey, Group Publisher for SI for Kids Cleary Simpson, and Chief's President and PWLS Board Member Carl Peterson.
"The Pop Warner Little Scholars All-American Awards Program, which alternates each year between Disneyworld in Florida and Disneyland in California, also awarded over $20,000.00 in scholarship money to deserving All-American scholars in grades eight (8) and above. Companies allotting scholarships to this year's program were Xerox, Disney Sports Attractions, American Cheerleader, Marsh Sports Group, Charles Davis, and the NFL Players Association, which awarded two $5,000 scholarships.
While there are more than 360,000 football players, cheerleaders and dancers in the Pop Warner program, only the top 1 percent are recognized each year as PWLS, Inc. All-Americans. Pop Warner participants who maintained a 96 percent grade point average or better, and who have been persistent contributors to the community and their schools are eligible to submit All-American applications. More than 42,000 applications were submitted this year, while only 3,700 were recognized as national All-Americans. Click here for a complete list of 2002 All-American Scholars
The 43rd Annual Pop Warner Little Scholars All-American Awards Program will shift to the West Coast next year where it will take place at Disneyland in sunny Anaheim, California.
