SACRAMENTO, CA — Justine Navarra (Buhach Colony, Atwater) and Nolan Torres (Corona) were named the recipients of the prestigious CIF Spirit of Sport Award for the 2019-20 spring sports season. The two statewide winners will receive an award, a patch, and a $1,000 scholarship.
The CIF Spirit of Sport Award recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm, are active in school and community service, and exhibit leadership qualities. The principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor (sm) are the operating principles of the CIF and have been adopted by the 1,606-member high schools throughout the state.
“These recipients reflect the positive elements of Pursuing Victory with Honor (sm), reinforcing the value of education-based athletics,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti.
Additionally, the CIF selected a boy and girl Section winner, in each of the 10 Sections for each season of sport, from all submitted applications to receive $500. A list of all spring 2019-20 Section recipients follows.
Justine Navarra is a four-year member of the varsity softball team at Buhach Colony. While at Buhach Colony she has been involved with student government all four years as well as with the California Scholarship Federation (CSF). Additionally, she created ‘BCHS Winter Wish Rally’ which supplies many families with food, gifts, and Christmas trees to celebrate the season. Navarra also volunteers in her community with elderly care assistance and as a youth football camp organizer.
“’Spirit of Sport’ defines the values that I place in the thing I love the most, sports,” states Navarra. “It includes ethics, fair play, honesty, character, teamwork, dedication, commitment, respect, and excellence in performance. I display this spirit not only on the field but in all aspects of my everyday life.”
“If I were able to choose anyone in the world to be on my campus as a student, athlete, and leader, I would make Justine one of my top choices,” states CIF Federated Council Member and Golden Valley High School Principal, Kevin Swartwood. “Justine possesses an amazingly positive attitude toward everyone she encounters including her opponents on the field. She has the rare ability to be kind and caring while also being competitive and committed.”
“Justine is highly motived, very involved in our school and I know she will be successful in her future endeavors,” added BCHS Counselor Jennifer Sousa. “Her leadership style is subtle, but she takes charge in group projects and demonstrates her ability to listen to others and work together.”
Nolan Torres is a member of the track and field team at Corona. He is also the President of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), is involved in Link Crew and Renaissance Leadership. Additionally, he volunteers with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) as a community ambassador and captains Team Torres, raising funds for CHOC.
“Sports have this mysterious way of teaching us life lessons without us even realizing or searching for them,” states Torres. “Running has taught me that you always have more to give, even when you think you’re at your weakest point. Being a leader, a good teammate, and supporting those around you will always raise your value to your team both on and off the athletic field.”
“I have had the pleasure of working with some fabulous students. Nolan Torres ranks among the finest,” states Michael Lin, Superintendent of Schools for Corona-Norco Unified School District. “His dedication and poise are beyond his years. In short, Nolan is a wonderfully balanced young man who will be an extraordinary leader for many years to come.”
“Overall, Nolan Torres is a model student,” adds Corona High School Principal Antonio Gonzalez. “He encompasses the positive attributes that educators love to see in students, intelligent, dedicated, driven, kind, amiable, and altruistic.”
2020 CIF Spring Spirit of Sport SECTION Winners
Central Section
Carissa Hall – Track and Field, Immanuel High School
Joseph Ruddell – Track and Field, Morro Bay High School
Central Coast Section
Sonja Dommen – Track and Field, Burlingame High School
Kian Toohey – Baseball, Harbor High School
Los Angeles City Section
Brianah Herrera – Cheer, Chatsworth Charter High School
Sankirth Vutukuri – Golf, Valor Academy High School
North Coast Section
Isabelle Allen – Lacrosse, San Rafael High School
Benjamin Freed – Swim and Dive, Marin Catholic High School
Northern Section
Madison Steele – Track and Field, West Valley High School
Brennan Woodward – Track and Field, Fall River High School
Oakland Section
Maya Ades – Track and Field, Oakland Technical High School
Christian Bardell – Track and Field, Oakland Technical High School
Sac-Joaquin Section
Jordyn Marquez – Softball, Summerville Union High School
San Diego Section
Stephanie Aguiar – Track and Field, Chula Vista High School
Shiwan Bamarni – Swim and Dive, El Cajon Valley High School
San Francisco Section
Mustapha Bhonopha Jr. – Track and Field, Abraham Lincoln High School
Southern Section
Madelyn Cruz – Softball, Paraclete High School
Sean Guyton – Track and Field, Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks)
