Harms is state scholar-athlete
News editor
Football helmets aren’t standard dinner attire, but recent Marion High School graduate Cade Harms took one along to a National Football Foundation scholar-athlete dinner May 24 at Kansas State University.
Harms and 11 other football players from among all high school state classifications were honored at Bill Snyder Family Stadium for their play on the field, academic achievement, and contributions to school activities and communities.
However, Harms didn’t know until it was announced at the banquet that he was one of two chosen to receive a $500 NFF scholarship.
“I was completely and utterly shocked,” Harms said. “I thought, ‘Did I really hear my name?’ I didn’t even know about this before coming up, and I wasn’t expecting my name.”
NFF representative presented the award and posed for pictures, but Harms didn’t have to give an acceptance speech.
“It’s probably a good thing I didn’t have to say anything because I probably would’ve been a stumbling mess at that point,” he said.
Coach Grant Thierolf nominated Harms for the award. Harms said he had not seen what Thierolf wrote but was grateful for his support.
Outside of football, Harms had a diverse resume of high school activities and was co-valedictorian of his class, but he was impressed with the achievements of his fellow honorees.
“One guy had like 100 and some tackles in a year, another had like 150 hours of community service,” he said. “There were a lot of incredible stories from the guys up there, and I wasn’t even thinking about that top two.”
Harms said that it was one of the most prestigious awards he’s received, ranking ahead of being one of 10 finalists for K-State’s presidential scholarship.
Harms will attend KSU in the fall, majoring in mechanical engineering.
“It was kind of a nice way to say goodbye to Marion and all I’ve done there,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”