The Clifford and Judy Hanson Memorial Scholarship was created by RRSO to honor the rich heritage and tradition of Rocky River Soccer. RRSO recognizes both male and female high school senior athletes who have demonstrated a commitment of excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
The Clifford and Judy Hanson Memorial Scholarship seeks to reward students striving to develop their individual talents to further the common good of their team and community. Scholarships are presented each year at the high school’s recognition assembly in May. The scholarship carries the names of Clifford and Judy Hanson, a wonderful husband and wife duo who gave more than 35 years of dedicated service to soccer in Rocky River.
With Judy as his spotter, Cliff announced high school boys soccer games for 25 years. Their son Scott was a RRHS varsity team captain in 1982. Cliff also served Rocky River soccer as an RRSO coach and RRHS boys junior varsity coach. In 1995, Cliff and Judy were presented with the sixth annual RRSO Soccer Appreciation Award. Before his death in 2012, Cliff assisted in the presentation of these annual scholarships at the HS awards assembly.
The scholarship is a one-time award of $2,000, and applicants will be judged on academics, soccer playing ability, and community service.
Applicants must:
• Have played a minimum of three years in the Rocky River Soccer Organization (RRSO).
• Be a high school senior and a member of their respective school’s varsity soccer team.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Plans to continue their post-secondary education.
• Have demonstrated active interest in community or civic activities.
If you are a student who believes you fit this description, we invite and encourage you to to apply for the scholarship.
Application deadline: April 1, 2025
Download an application form at this link.
Completed Applications should be emailed to RRSO's Brian Patrick at [email protected].
Please put “RRSO Hanson Memorial Scholarship Application” in the subject line for the email.
PAST SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
1996 Kevin Fiala Rachel Mellot
1997 - No scholarships given -
1998 Ankur Garg, J.P. Ratajczak Katie Fiala, Kim Dobler
1999 Allen Rickard Jessica Bacon
2000 Charlie Andrews Sarah Jurak
2001 Ryan Burke Jennifer Bracken
2002 Nicholas Molnar Kathleen McCreary
2003 Kevin Tuisku Meredith Turk
2004 Elliot Wheeler Molly Leitch
2005 Jordan Gourash Anne Jaworski
2006 Timothy Molnar, Robert Perry Debra Leitch
2007 Michael Clifford Meredith Gourash
2008 David Rea Courtney Van Atta
2009 Sam Ryan, Denio Leone Justine Beres
2010 Brendon Hall Sophia Liva, Olivia Vitou
2011 Ian Taylor Kasey Killeen, Megan McFarland
2012 Ryan Connelly Kim Leitch
2013 No Applicants Hallie McCue
2014 Trent Newby Grace Bennett
2015 Chase Newby, Nathaniel O'Halla Jillian Krebs
2016 Kyle Moore, Mark Hoelzer Emily Soltes
2017 Jonah Wischmeier Laura DeVito
2018 Dylan Keeling Olivia McDonald
2019 Owen Jaite Allison Contenza
2020 - No scholarships given -
2021 - No scholarships given -
2022 Hogan Kern Taylor Byall
2023 Nathyn Marius Cara McKenna
2024 Zach Kern Mackenzie Russell