The Indiana Pacers, in conjunction with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Dick’s Sporting Goods have selected the Larry Bird Character Award finalists and scholarship winners.

The Larry Bird Character Award serves as one of the community outreach programs of the Pacers, and is determined by criteria that are representative of the qualities of NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird, including academic excellence, character, sportsmanship and community service. Nominees had to be a senior in high school and a member of their boys or girls high school varsity basketball team.

Winners were chosen by a selection committee made up of representatives from the Pacers, the NFHS, the IHSAA and Dick’s Sporting Goods. These winners are the best of the eligible nominations submitted, based upon the nominee’s academic achievement and community service. A complete set of rules can be obtained by logging on to Pacers.com.

The finalists and winners will be recognized at halftime of the Pacers’ game against Toronto on April 8. The ten finalists receive a commemorative photo, finalist plaque and $50 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods. The two overall winners will receive a trophy and a $1000 college scholarship courtesy of Dick’s Sporting Goods.

The five Female finalists are as follows:

Kristen Hicks – Oak Hill High School
Emily Jones – Highland High School, Anderson
Anna Lewer – Lutheran High School
Marlee Maddigan – Southport High School
Claire Milam – Lebanon High School

The five Male finalists are as follows:

Nick Hesterman – North Side High School
Gabriel Paulone – Indiana School for the Deaf
Jeremy Renz – Plymouth High School
Jordan Surenkamp – Mooresville High School
Bradley Wethington – Crawfordsville High School

The Scholarship Winners are as follows:

Female - Emily Jones – Highland High School, Anderson
Male - Gabriel Paulone – Indiana School for the Deaf