US Lacrosse Native American Scholarships Connect Ancient, Modern Games

When US Lacrosse began a multi-year partnership with the Tewaaraton Foundation in 2011, one of the primary components was the underwriting of annual scholarships to be awarded to the male and female high school player who, through leadership and character, best represents their Native heritage in the sport.

The sixth annual Tewaaraton Native American Scholarships, which were presented on behalf of US Lacrosse for a second straight year, are not only a chance to recognize deserving young Iroquois student-athletes, but also are part of the organization’s commitment to honor the roots of the sport through the Tewaaraton legacy. Each winner receives a $5,000 one-time scholarship award to be applied toward college education.

Scholarship winners had the opportunity to interact with the 10 Tewaaraton Award finalists and the organization’s board of directors at the finalists’ dinner and White House visit before being honored at the Tewaaraton Award Ceremony Thursday, May 31, in Washington, D.C.

Andrew Lee, a member of the board of directors of the Tewaaraton Foundation and a trustee of the National Museum of the American Indian, where the ceremony was held, summed up the role of lacrosse in Haudenosaunee culture:
“To the Haudenosaunee, or the Iroquois people, lacrosse is much more than a game. It is a gift of knowledge, instruction, healing and transformation, given to us by the Creator.”

The women’s scholarship was awarded to Marissa Haring, a member of the Seneca Nation and Wolf Clan. Marissa was a captain for the Haudenosaunee under-19 team that competed in the 2011 FIL World Championship in Hannover, Germany. She will attend and play lacrosse at Loch Haven University.



The men’s scholarship was presented to Bradley Thomas, a member of the Tuscarora Indian Nation and Snipe Clan.

“Lacrosse has personally given me amazing opportunities to be part of my heritage,” Thomas said. “I want to utilize the gift my Creator gave me to become a positive role model in my community.”

Bradley will attend and play lacrosse at Canisius College.



Applications for the 2013 Tewaaraton US Lacrosse Native American Scholarships will be available later this year at www.tewaaraton.com.

- Lane Errington      

Related Links
• US Lacrosse and the Tewaaraton Award
• Schwarzmann, Baum Win 2012 Tewaaraton Awards