Azalea Park Panthers: Pop Warner Football & Cheerleading

Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) recently announced its 2004-2005 All-American Scholar team, comprised of young football players, cheerleaders and dancers in grades five and above from across the nation. By receiving this recognition, each scholar has been invited to attend the 45th Annual All-American Scholar Banquet at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Anaheim , CA to be recognized for his/her achievements. The event is comprised of three separate recognition programs, and will take place on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28, 2005. Each year, the Pop Warner Scholastic All-American program recognizes Pop Warner members who have achieved the highest academic merit. Students who have a 96% or better grade point average are eligible to apply for this prestigious recognition, however, the standard for excellence increases each year with the continued growth of the program. While the student's grades are an integral part, applicants are also graded on their various school-oriented and community activities and achievements from the past year. This year's All-American Scholars comprise the top one percent of all Pop Warner participants nationwide, and the average grade point average was an incredible 98.5 percent! Over 5,000 young scholar-athletes were named this as First Team, Second Team or Honorable Mention All-American Scholars, based on a score calculated from the student's grade point average and addendum activities. The state of Florida once again had the highest total of All-American Scholars, with over 1,700 selected this year. Following behind Florida was New Jersey (920), North Carolina (395), Massachusetts (368) and California (293), respectively. First Team All-American Scholar is the highest achievement a Pop Warner student-athlete can achieve, with only 35 football participants and 25 cheerleaders and dancers selected per grade level. First Team All-American Scholar's in eight grade and higher are also eligible for one of many scholarships that are awarded at the National Scholar Banquet. Last year, 53 scholarships from various supporters of the Pop Warner program were awarded totaling $53,000, and this year numbers are expected to be greater than $60,000!

---