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Scholarships that honor outstanding local student-athletes

Last Modified: July 06, 2024

Community, Sports & Exercise

Kamden Zeisloft accepting The Albright Gemlick Excellence Scholarship

The Parkview Sports Medicine Albright Gemlick Excellence Scholarship is awarded to local graduating high school athletes who plan to further their education. Named in tribute to former SportONE physicians, Dr. James E. Albright, who passed away in 1993, and Dr. Brett Gemlick, who died in 2019, the recognition helps future professionals in our area.
 

“The Albright Gemlick Excellence Scholarship program allows Parkview Sports Medicine (PSM) to highlight accomplishments, in and out of athletics, from our partner organizations,” Candice Dunkin, MS, LAT, ATC, director of Sports Medicine, said. “Dr. Albright and Dr. Gemlick were instrumental in creating Parkview Sports Medicine, as both surgeons were passionate about improving our community through athletics. This scholarship allows PSM to continue their legacy, highlighting many area high school seniors each year.”
 

The scholarships, handed out to as many as eight recipients, began with the class of 2004. Since then, the program has awarded $300,000 to student-athletes in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. This year, PSM gave out the 100th Albright Gemlick Excellence Scholarship.
 

Recipients have represented over 30 high schools in the region, with many going on to be collegiate student-athletes at D1-3 and NAIA schools. In addition, past winners include:

  • 6 current Parkview and PSM partner school co-workers


  • 2 physicians

  • 4 physical therapists

  • 3 nurses

  • 1 filmmaker

  • 1 nationally-released recording artist
     

The Albright Gemlick Excellence Scholarship is made possible through the Parkview Health Foundation Albright Gemlick Scholarship. You can learn more about the qualifications for consideration here.
 

Spotlight on: 2024 Albright Gemlick Scholarship Winner Kamden Zeisloft

Leo High School senior, Kamden Zeisloft, was one of the 2024 graduates awarded an Albright Gemlick Excellence Scholarship. Kam was nominated by MacKenzie Williams, ATC, PSM athletic trainer at Leo.

“We were impressed with how many gifted student-athletes were being recognized for excellence at the banquet,” Kamden’s mother, Stacey, said. “We were equally shocked by the number of schools represented. It put into perspective what an honor it was to be nominated for the scholarship.”

Kam was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, baseball, and track and field. In football, he earned All-NE8, All-State and Academic All-State and team defensive back MVP honors. The Lions won three NE8 championships and advanced to semi-state his senior year. In baseball, Kam was part of a sectional title team. In track, he was an All-Conference runner in the 4x200-meter relay.

He participated in the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Campus Life. He is also a coach, referee and camp instructor for Leo Cub Football and helps in his church’s children’s ministry. He has been on several mission trips to Guatemala and inner-city Indianapolis, among other locations.

“To hear his name announced as one of the recipients of the Albright Gemlick scholarships at the banquet was emotional for us,” Stacey shared. “We know how hard Kamden has worked to become the athlete, student, leader and competitor he is today. He’s intrinsically motivated, highly competitive and a student of his sport. He’s spent countless hours studying film, working out at the gym and seeking wise counsel in training. He’s never just done what was required of him; he always does more! His hard work, on and off the field, and being recognized for it was pretty special.”

“Seeing all the well-qualified nominees, to know that I was one of eight winners chosen, is a huge honor,” Kamden said. “I come from a family of five kids, with two of them already graduated from college. Due to their respective journeys, the college experience isn’t foreign to me. I understand the expenses, and I knew that a scholarship like this would help me and my family tremendously.”

Kam earned a 3.98 grade point average and plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University to study exercise science or ministry with a pre-physical therapy concentration. “I know I want to do something health-related because I feel like helping people is what God has called me to do in my life,” Kam said during his acceptance interview. He plans to play football for the Wildcats.

“Kam’s positive attitude and ability to elevate everybody around him makes him an exceptional leader,” MacKenzie said. “he is willing to go above and beyond in everything he does.”

Jason Doerffler, Leo High School head football coach, shared in his letter of recommendation, “Kamden has been an excellent representative of Leo High School. He has the ability to positively influence those around him.”

The Zeisloft family is moved by the generosity of those who make this scholarship possible. “We are excited to see what God has next for Kamden as he heads to college,” Stacey said. “This scholarship is a blessing in many ways. Thank you, PSM!”

Kamden agreed, adding, “I can’t begin to express my gratitude. The number of students PSM has helped over the time they have been doing this scholarship is unbelievable. My family and I are very thankful for having a wonderful organization like PSM and for all the generous donors. Thank you for making opportunities like this happen for students!” 

Congratulations to Kamden and the rest of this year’s Parkview Sports Medicine Albright Gemlick Excellence Scholarship winners!
 

If you have any questions regarding the Albright Gemlick Excellence Scholarship or other scholarship opportunities, please contact the Parkview Health Foundation at [email protected] or 260-266-7800.