Wawasee senior gymnast Meghan Beer was awarded one of 10 ICGSA Athlete Scholarships. (File photo by Mike Deak)

INDIANAPOLIS – Meghan Beer may not have been the most standout gymnast in the Wawasee program. But the senior was noted for being exemplary by her coach, and again by the Indiana High School Girls Coaches Association.

Beer, who spent much of her senior year hobbled by a nagging knee injury, was noted as the recipient of the annual ICGSA Athlete Scholarship. The award, which carries a $1,000 academic scholarship, is given to one athlete per the 10 girls sports in Indiana governed by the ICGSA and the IHSAA. Each athlete was nominated by her coach and principal of her respective high school. The recipients were chosen based on the following criteria: well-rounded, positive role models who have demonstrated excellence in academics, school and community involvement, character, sportsmanship and citizenship.

Beer, who helped Wawasee to a regional appearance in gymnastics this season, was limited to just bars and beam events due to a banged up leg she suffered during soccer, which had given her issues all winter season.

“As a member of the organization, I nominated her by writing a short essay as to why I feel she is deserving of this award,” said Wawasee gymnastics head coach Nika Prather. “I am so thrilled that the ICGSA believed she was the Indiana gymnast worthy of this honor.

“Meghan has demonstrated every attribute in those listed in the letter, more than any gymnast I’ve ever coached. I believe she truly sets the standard for what a high school athlete should be. Wawasee High School Gymnastics was very blessed to have her for four years.”

Beer was just one of two athletes from northern Indiana to earn the scholarship, joined by Mississinewa tennis player Haleigh Rowley. The other recipients include Hauser basketball player Sarah Teeder and track athlete Grace Hasler; Franklin Community cross country runner Emma Beavins; Plainfield golfer Kayla Benge; Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter soccer player Ana Danner; Lebanon softball player Tori Harker; Eastern Hancock volleyball player Laura Eells; and Pendleton Heights swimmer Sarah Dudley.

Meghan Beer poses with her certificate from the ICGSA. (Photo provided)