Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Ella Gertz Named 2024 Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award Scholarship Recipient

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Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Ella Gertz Named 2024 Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award Scholarship Recipient

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (June 21, 2024) – The Orange Bowl Committee is honored to announce Ella Gertz, a student-athlete from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, as the seventh recipient of the prestigious Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award.

Ella has exhibited remarkable courage and resilience in overcoming challenges throughout her childhood and into adulthood. Despite these difficulties, she has thrived both academically and athletically, living life to the fullest. Her experiences have shaped her into the strong and determined young woman she is today, and she looks forward to a bright future studying Engineering at the University of Georgia.

Established to Honor Heroes

The annual Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award honors the sacrifice of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School coaches Scott Beigel, Aaron Feis, and Chris Hixon. These courageous men lost their lives protecting their students and colleagues during the senseless tragedy that occurred on February 14, 2018. The award recognizes an outstanding South Florida student-athlete who exemplifies valor and perseverance in the face of adversity, and it includes a $10,000 scholarship.

Strength and Determination

“The Orange Bowl Committee is incredibly proud to present Ella Gertz with the 2024 Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award,” said Orange Bowl Committee President & Chair Bradley D. Houser. “Her unwavering strength in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. She is a shining example of perseverance and dedication; and a role model for her peers. We are honored to recognize her accomplishments.”

Overcoming Challenges

Ella’s story is one of overcoming significant obstacles. Despite the challenges of her home life, she excelled in the classroom and on the athletic field. Ella played soccer, volleyball and softball throughout her high school years while also maintaining a 5.28 GPA. Additionally, Ella is a National Merit Finalist and a Veritas Scholar, and has been recognized with numerous awards including AP Scholar with Distinction Award, University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, and Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence.

Looking Forward

Ella will be officially recognized during the 2024-25 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The Orange Bowl Committee congratulates Ella on her well-deserved achievement and wishes her all the best in her future endeavors.

Orange Bowl Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award Recipients: