06/05/2026
Congratulations to our 2026 Grit Award Seniors RJ Scharrer and Ryder Strickland!
I was little caught off guard when they called me up (the admin were very gracious to go our of order so I could head out early to attend my brothers rehearsal dinner tonight as well) so I didnt get a chance to say what I wanted so I'm going to put it here. I personally am so honored to have been able to give these two young men this award as I've watched then both grow in each of their sports since youth.
Tonight, on behalf of the Tommy Ellis Memorial Foundation, I’m honored to present our Grit Awards — recognizing the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up, keep working, and keep choosing character when things get hard.Grit is built in the unseen moments — the early mornings, the setbacks, the injuries, the doubts — and these two seniors have lived that every day.
Our football player has led with toughness and heart, lifting his team through resilience and example.
Our wrestler has shown relentless determination, discipline, and the courage to get back up again and again.
Both have shown what true grit looks like on the field, on the mat, and in life.
Please join me in celebrating this year’s Tommy Ellis Foundation Grit Award recipients
B.j. J Barlow Ernie Ellis Karen RjMase Kimberly Gallagher Strickland Troy Strickland