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Honors & Awards

2023 RSF Scholarship Winners
The Richfield Spartan Foundation is proud to support a variety of honors and awards recognizing outstanding achievement in our community.

Over the years we have continued to expand the number and value of the awards distributed due to the generosity of individuals and sources such as the Desmond Foundation and the Patch Foundation.

28 $1500 awards for 2024.
2024 Award Winners

2024 Award Winners

Top Scholar Award

The Top Scholar Award is presented to a Richfield High School graduating senior who demonstrates strong academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. Applicants must rank in the top ten percent of the senior class.
2024 Award Winner:
Teagan McCarty, Gustavus Adolphus College 
Evelyn Smiley, St Olaf  
Previous winners.

AAL (Athletic) Award

Athletic / Academic / Leadership ward - This award honors students who are not only top athletes, but leaders within their high school as well.
2024 Award Winners:
Quin Cossette, University of Minnesota
Brianna Johnson , University of Minnesota
Malcom Peterson, Southwest Minnesota State University  
Previous winners:

Against All Odds (AAO) Award

The Success Against All Odds Award is presented to a Richfield High School graduating senior, regardless of GPA, who has demonstrated the values of perseverance, fortitude and determination to overcome significant challenges.
2024 Award Winners:
Binta Bajo, St Catherine University
Isaiah Frazier, University of Minnesota
Connor Okey, University of Minnesota
Jocelyn Ramirez Aragon, University of Minnesota
Ethan Soderberg, Dougherty Family College
Previous winners.

AAO - First Generation College Award

This award is presented to an RHS student who will be a part of the first generation to attend college.
2024 Award Winner:
Iriani Ayala,  St Catherine or U of M
Rosita Narvaez Ortiz, University of Minnesota
Previous Winners.

AAO - Community / Technical College Award

This award is presented to an RHS student who will be attending a community / technical college in the metro area.
2024 Award Winner:
Jake Houle, Normandale Community College  
Leksvin Mendoza Pasten, Hennepin Technical College
Previous winners.

Tom Spooner Award

This award is presented annually to the outstanding male senior athlete who demonstrates outstanding achievement in athletics, citizenship and academic excellence. The award is named for Tom Spooner, a Richfield High School athlete, who died from leukemia in 1959 and personified these criteria.
2024 Award Winner:
Joaquin Jamison, University of Minnesota
Previous winners.

Athena Award

The Athena Award is presented annually to the outstanding female senior athlete based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports.
2024 Award winner:
Janiya Moore, U of St Thomas
Previous winners.

Bill Davis Scholarship

Bill Davis, RHS class of 1960 was not only the most outstanding athlete in RHS history who captained U of M teams and played professional baseball, but he also went on to serve the Richfield community as a coach and president of the Spartan Foundation.

Bill Davis served on the board for all 31 years and as its President for the past 13 years. He wishes to award a senior who has shown “exemplary service” within RHS or in the larger community outside the school. RHS seniors can apply through the Counselors’ office.

The Board asks for your contribution through its website at spartanfoundation.com and clicking on Donate in the upper right-hand corner. In this effort, we ask for your ‘exemplary community service.’ Read the full Sun Current article here. 
2024 Award Winner:
Natalie Nutting, St Olaf College  
Previous Winners:
Bill Davis

Desmond Family Foundation Scholarship

The Desmond Foundation came to fruition through the hard work and perseverence of John & Janet Desmond who founded Tom Thumb Donuts, an institution at the Minnesota State Fair dating back to 1950. Its purpose is to engage in causes which help people who have overcome adverse situations. In  partnership with Normandale Community College, The Desmond Foundation participates in the Spartan Foundation's "Against All Odds" scholarship. This award is presented to an RHS student who have excelled academically and athleticly and will be attending Normandale Community College.
2024 Award Winner:
Joycelyn Aragon-Gomez, Normandale Community College  
Previous Winners:

Russ Schuveiller Memorial Scholarship

Russ Schuveiller was a member of the RHS Class of 1960. Even after his insurance business thrived, he never forgot where he come from. After Russ' passing in 2014, the family created 2 scholarships in his memory, to be awarded to the male and female student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in three areas: athletics, academics, and leadership.
2024 Award Winner:
Thomas Madrid, St Olaf College  
Parker Pollis, College of St Benedict 
Previous Winners:

Oz Mullerleile Memorial Scholarship

Given by family of OZ, a community member who was an outstanding supporter of RHS activities with a special love for athletics – male and female.
2020 Award Winner:
Molly Stark
Previous Winners:

Steve Grindeland Memorial Scholarship

Given by RHS class of 1972 for a FIRST GENERATION college student in honor of Steve, their classmate who never had the opportunity to attend college.
2024: Award Winner:
Angela Morocho Sarmiento, Dougherty Family College  
Previous Winners:

Bob Tripanier Memorial Scholarship

Given in honor of Bob, a former RHS graduate, class of 1965, and a devoted Spartan ever since. This award goes to a senior who also is devoted to RHS. 
2024 Award Winner:
Trey Anthony Peterson, St Olaf College in Northfield
Greta Sollie, Point Loma Nazarine University 
Previous Winners:

Karnas Family Memorial Scholarship

Honors a softball or baseball player who is exceptionally team-oriented.
2024 Award Winner:
Emily Olson   Karnas Family Scholarship  University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Previous Winners:

Kron Family Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who, despite diminished family resources will continue his/her athletic career in college.
2023 Award Winner:
Angel Gabriel Mendez Lopez, Carleton College in Northfield
Previous Winners:

Luth Family  Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who will attend a two-year technical school, machinery focus preferred.
2022 Award Winner:
Mauricio Vergara Quiroz
Previous Winners:

Sandahl Family Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who is involved, caring, and creative - who makes a difference in the lives of others.
2024 Award Winner:
Chimdalu Dibua, University of San Francisco 
Previous Winners:

Herby Family Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who aims to become a teacher focused on a subject, special education, world language, counselor, administrator or any educational focus.
2024 Award Winner:
Brisa Garcia Genis, Normandale Community College
Atziry Olivarez Guzman, Winona State University
Previous Winners:

Yamamoto Family Scholarship

Awarded to a senior who aims to become a teacher focused on a subject, special education, world language, counselor, administrator or any educational focus.
2024 Award Winner:
Alli Ingebretson , Minnesota State University, Mankato 
Previous Winners:

Aviation Scholarship

Awarded to a student to advance their education with an accredited program, in aerospace engineering, flight training, air traffic control, mechanics or other career paths in aviation.
2024 Award Winner:
Jacob Noonan, Minnesota State University Mankato - Aviation
Previous Winners:

RHS Alumni Scholarship

Open to any senior who contributed to the success of the school and community. It honors the memory of former RHS students and faculty. Sources of these memorials are Bob Collison and Jim Hare, former Richfield coaches and faculty members. And Paul A. Schmidt, class of 1983.
2021 Award Winner: Helen Nguyen 
Previous Winners:

Distinguished Service Award

This award is presented to recognize individuals who have have unselfishly given their time and resources for the benefit of Richfield youth.
2014 Award Winner: Tom Ulmer & Robert Small
2010: Russ Schuveiller
2011: Ernie and Jean Lindstrom

They Made a Difference Award

This award is presented to recognize individuals who have a made a significant difference in the Richfield community and the Spartan Foundation.
2012: John and Peggy Hamilton
2011: Warren Anondson, Fran Kiedrowski, and Adler Strandquist

Team of Distinction Award

This award is presented to Richfield sports team that has not only shown the values of teamwork off the field but on the field as well. Previous winners.

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results." - Successories
2015: 1963 Football Team, the 1971 & 1972 Baseball Teams, and the 1975 Gymnastics Team.
2014: 1965 RHS Baseball State Champs - Undefeated (25-0)
2011: Women's Fast Pitch - State Champs 1992

Richfield Athletic Hall of Fame

The Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1991 to honor players, coaches and community leaders making a significant contribution to Richfield High School athletics. Since its inception, 138 individuals have been inducted consisting of 112 athletes, 21 coaches and 5 community leaders. Nomination forms for prospective inductees can be obtained from the Athletic Director at Richfield Senior High School. For up to date information contact the Richfield High School Athletic and Activities Director, Jared Ellerson at RHS.

The following is a list Hall of Fame inductees sorted by year of induction and includes each individual's year of graduation or years of service:
2024 Spartan Hall of Fame Inductees

Thomas Szepanski, 1976 (Football, Soccer, Hockey, Baseball)
Kelsey Metz, 2011 (Swim & Dive, Gymnastics, Track & Field)
Sara Tseng Bradley, 2011 (Swim & Dive, Gymnastics, Track & Field)
Obsa Ali, 2014 (Cross Country, Soccer, Wrestling, Track & Field)

Previous Winners.