They say things come in threes and you may not get an argument on this theory from the administration of Patapsco Senior High School.
For the third time in three years the Baltimore County school is beaming with pride as one of its student-athletes has been named a McCormick Unsung Hero Award winner, claiming the $36,000 Charles Perry McCormick college scholarship which goes with it.
Jessica Kikola, a senior for the Patriots’ girls basketball program, is the 2010 female winner, joining Dunbar football player Joshua Melton in bringing home the top prizes at the annual banquet, May 3, at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn.
Previously, Jessica’s cousin Kevin, won the boys award in 2008 and Brittany Fairley took the first girls honor for Patapsco, in 2007.
Kikola, who plans to attend Towson University said it was a dream come true, since she was still uncertain as to how she would pay her college tuition.
“I had no idea how I was going to pay for college,” Kikola said. “I was still applying for scholarships and thinking of taking out loans. This is a really big help.”
Melton was nominated for the honor by his coaches because of willingness to battle in the trenches as an offensive and defensive lineman despite the fact that his 5-foot-7 frame was far better suited for fullback or linebacker, which he hopes to play in college at Frostburg State.
Embodying the spirit of a Unsung Hero, Melton said, “You do what you do for the team. I do everything for the team. It was worth it.”
Kikola and Melton were two of 116 Unsung Hereos honored by McCormick. The banquet has been in existence since 1940, starting first as forum for honoring unsung football players and adding girls basketball honorees in 1987.
