Hayleigh Engelhardt knew something was up when she walked through the front office at Vanguard High School and saw balloons and Bright House Sports Network staff at the door. Still, she didn’t want to get her hopes up.
“I actually saw you guys coming in, and I was like wow are you here for me, because obviously I like to flatter myself,” joked Hayleigh. “But I had no idea.”
The senior and the rest of her softball team called to the cafeteria for an “emergency” meeting. It was there that Hayleigh was surprised with a large check for $2,500.
“I had no idea at all, I am so happy. I can’t even explain how excited I am. I honestly had no idea,” said Hayleigh. “I was definitely about to cry, I was so happy and to see my parents here too, it was great, I can’t explain how amazing that was.”
Hayleigh was chosen from more than 400 applicants as the 2016 David Logan Scholarship Central Florida female winner, winner of $2,500. The scholarship is named in honor of the late Bay News 9 sports anchor and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
The senior, who plans to attend Florida State in the fall, has been a two-sport athlete for the last four years, competing in both softball and weightlifting. This past year Hayleigh placed 3rd in the Class 2A 119 lb division, lifting a combined 320 pounds.
Also committed to community service, Hayleigh volunteers with Bryan’s All Stars, a basketball team for adults and children with special needs. Hayleigh is also a part of her high school service club, Pink Ladies, all while maintaining a 4.5 weighted GPA.