Geist Magazine invites you to cast your vote through April 13 for the finalists for Senior-Student Athlete of the Year. This school year’s candidates are featured below. Vote for your top two choices throughout April. They will be highlighted in the May issue, with the winner of our $500 scholarship featured on the June cover with Central Indiana Orthopedics.
September 2024: Kya Crooke
Heritage Christian senior Kya Crooke has always loved sports, excelling in soccer, basketball, track, tennis, and more. Her true passion lies in the high jump, starting her track journey at 9 years old. By middle school, she realized her potential, breaking records and achieving remarkable success, including multiple national titles. At 16, she made Indiana history by winning at the IHSAA state meet and Team U.S.A. for the U20 Pan American games.
October 2024: Izzy Simonsen
Lawrence Central High School senior Isabella “Izzy” Simonsen is a standout both on the volleyball court and the stage. A four-year varsity starter and passionate actress, Simonsen brings her leadership skills to the volleyball team and International Thespian Society. With a dedication to academics, completing multiple AP courses, and extensive community service involvement, Simonsen is a well-rounded student-athlete making a positive impact both on and off the court.
November 2024: Ava Cousin
Lawrence North High School senior Ava Cousin is a standout athlete and top student. She most recently played guard for the Lawrence North girls’ basketball and flag football teams. As a dedicated student-athlete with a 4.25 GPA, National Honor Society membership, and active involvement in her school community, she is admired by her peers and coaches. She aspires to major in biology, pursue dentistry, and have her own practice.
December 2024: Anna Moore
Cathedral High School senior Anna Moore has been immersed in softball since the age of 8, drawing inspiration from her older sister, who also played the sport. Committed to playing at Purdue University as a freshman, she values the camaraderie and teamwork that softball fosters. Moore actively participates in various school activities, including the student athletic board and a group of missionaries dedicated to spreading faith within their school community. Drawn to Purdue’s lauded program, Moore plans to pursue an engineering major.
January 2025: Ahmed Saleh
Despite being initially recognized for basketball talents at Mt. Vernon High School, senior Ahmed Saleh’s athletic journey took unexpected turns. Venturing from basketball to track after incorporating running into his routine, Saleh faced setbacks like a leg injury but bounced back with support from his coach, teammates, and family. Having achieved remarkable times in the 1,600 meters, Saleh plans to study data science at Indiana University Bloomington.
February 2025: Braeden Totton
Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) High School Senior Braeden Totton is already a seasoned athlete and leader, balancing the demands of varsity basketball, football and baseball, while excelling academically. As his high school career comes to a close, he is looking to take his athletic talents to the collegiate level, where he plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.
March 2025: JonAnthony Hall
Fishers High School senior JonAnthony Hall’s journey from youth flag football to varsity stardom in basketball and football showcases his versatility and dedication. Despite moving multiple times due to his military family background, Hall thrived in sports, forming lasting bonds with teammates. Overcoming surgery setbacks, he never missed a varsity game and achieved milestone victories, including winning the sectional championship. Hall will continue his athletic and academic pursuits at Stanford University, majoring in communications.
