Orlando, May 6, 2016 – Wade Karam of Texas A&M University and Alison Gorrell of Florida Atlantic University have been awarded the male and female NCAS PlayMakers of the Month Award for April 2016.
The PlayMaker of the Month Award recognizes the academic achievement and community service efforts of student-athletes at NCAS member institutions. Current student-athletes are nominated by their coaches, administrators, and teammates, they must carry a 3.0 grade point average, and they must be active participants in community/volunteer services and/or social change advocacy.
Karam, a member of the Texas A&M men’s track and field team, has performed with distinction in the classroom and dedication to the community. He is a SEC Academic Honor roll selection and Texas A&M Scholar-Athlete award recipient who was awarded the SEC Brad Davis Community Service Award this week.
Karam has committed numerous hours to serving the Bryan-College Station community is various capacities. Annually, he participates in “Big Event,” a student-led community service event, SAAC Aggies CAN initiative, collecting can goods and monetary donations, and volunteers with the Special Olympics.
In combining his passion for service with an interest in medicine, Karam participates in “Hard Hats.” This program presents second graders in Brazos Valley with a helmet and important lessons about reducing head trauma during activities. Karam also volunteers as a camp counselor, swimming coach for pre-K to second graders, and a race volunteer.
Karam is currently carrying a 3.888 grade point average and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. He plans on attending medical school next fall.
Gorrell is a fifth-year senior on the FAU women’s basketball team. She has put in extensive hours of service to her community. In October 2015, Gorrell volunteered for the AVDA Race for Hope to raise funds and aid for victims of domestic abuse. She has participated in the St. Jude Race/Walk to end childhood cancer. Annually, Gorrell participates in the AD Henderson partnership, reading to students in the local elementary schools. This year, Gorrell was named CoSIDA Academic All-District, C-USA All-Academic Team, and won the C-USA Spirit of Service Award.
Gorrell is pursuing a degree in Communications and Multi-Media Journalism. She is currently carrying a 3.678 grade point average.
For 29 years, the mission of the NCAS has been to “use the power of sport to affect positive social change.” We educate and empower individuals and organizations by inspiring values-based thinking leading to actions that promote social responsibility and equality. Through Dr. Lapchick’s leadership, the NCAS has improved college student-athlete graduation rates, advocates for issues of diversity that plague athletic organizations, and creates programs to affect social change in sports and society.
Congratulations to Wade Karam and Alison Gorrell for their dedicated efforts of “Changing Lives Through the Power of Sport.”
For more information about the NCAS PlayMaker of the Month Award or to nominate a student-athlete for a PlayMaker of the Month Award, visit the NCAS website at www.ncasports.org/services/playmakers-of-the-month or contact us at 407-823-4770.
Story courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics