2011 Special Achievement Awards

A. Paul Menton Award:
Calvert Hall College High School

The Ben Eaton, Sr. Championship Award:
Dunbar High
Urbana High
Wilde Lake High

Courage Award (Female): Santina Busch, Patapsco High School
The Athletic Director at Patapsco High School probably did the best job of describing our female Courage Award winner, Santina Busch: 'Modest, quiet, courageous, and tough' define Santina Busch. Finishing her high school career as 12 season athlete, with all seasons on varsity teams, Santina seems to have accomplished it all by herself.
A list of activities that would be overwhelming to any student: she is a member of our Vocal Magnet and two chorus groups, the Student Government Association/PTSA liaison, GSA president, active in the Senior class activities and a member of 3 National Honor Societies. The 'Lead by Example' type of athlete that all coaches dream about, Santina sets the example in practice and in games.
Officials seem to seek her out following contests because of her sportsmanlike, gritty, and ultra-competitive play. The editor for the local paper, The Dundalk Eagle, enjoys speaking with her following games because she is 'well spoken, poised and mature beyond her years, along with the obvious…her play, which sets her apart for her peers.'
In soccer, she has played defense, offense and midfield. In basketball, she has moved back and forth from the various guard positions. In softball, she has been pitcher, center fielder and catcher. She has bounced back from numerous knee injuries and hospitalizations to return back to the playing field each of the past three seasons.
Last spring, while making a catch in the playoffs, Santina glided into foul territory. With the fence in sight, Santina was determined to make the catch. While she did hit the fence with her head and chest, she did make the catch, despite the fact that her leg also got caught under the fence.
That fence is a symbol of what Santina has had to overcome. Her struggles in her home life have taken their toll on Santina, but have proven to only make her stronger. She plans on attending a Division II or III University and intends to play soccer, basketball and softball.


Courage Award (Male): Zach Lederer, Centennial High School
For a moment parents, try to put yourself in this situation.
Six years ago, doctors told Christine and John Lederer that their 11 year old son, Zach, had a brain tumor and that they did not think he would survive.
Scores of operations, some by the leading pediatric neurosurgeon in the world, Dr. Ben Carson, countless hours of physical and occupational therapy saved young Zach, and helped him to return to as normal a life as any brain tumor survivor could have, which included participation as the team manager for the Centennial High School football team. Half seriously, Coach Ken Senisi suggested that Zach put on a uniform and get a few plays during his senior year.
But Zach wanted to play full time. After talking with his parents and getting all of the necessary approvals of his doctors, Zach was outfitted with a specially equipped helmet that included 18 shock absorbers. He participated in practice, scoring a few big hits that convinced everyone he was ready to play.
In the fifth game of the year, his opportunity came. Coach Senisi put Sach on the kickoff team, and while he saw limited action over the next few games, Zach did close out the season as a regular on the kick off team, getting the contact with opposing players that truly gave him the opportunity to make a contribution to his team as a player.
Someday, Zach hopes to coach football. And when he does, he wants to share his story with his players. As he said, 'I lived my dream. And I think it is a good story because that what I want to teach my players to live their dreams. Without regrets.'