NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee Announces 24 Statewide Legacy Grant "Rising Stars"

Youth Receive $2,400 Scholarships

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee announced today they have awarded 24 members of the class of 2024 as Indianapolis NBA All-Star Rising Stars in association with the NBA All-Star Legacy Grants. This award includes a $2,400 scholarship for each Rising Star payable to the college, university, or postsecondary institution they attend after high school graduation.

When NBA All-Star was originally scheduled to be held in 2021, NBA All-Star Host Committee committed to completing 21 Legacy Grant projects and recognizing 21 deserving Rising Stars. Since moving to 2024, Legacy Grants of up to $50,000 have been awarded to three additional organizations, bringing the total Legacy Grant projects to 24.

In addition, each of the now 24 Legacy Grantees nominated high school-aged Rising Stars for their project. From those nominees, the Indianapolis NBA All-Star Legacy Committee, a subcommittee of the Host Committee, selected one Rising Star for each of the 24 Legacy Grants to receive this honor and scholarship. 

“Recognizing 21 Rising Stars in 2021 for leadership in their schools and communities was extraordinary,” said Rick Fuson, NBA All-Star Board of Directors and Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO. “We are honored to recognize 24 additional students as they are both a testament to their schools, selves, and communities and to the commitment of our Legacy Grantees to serving the youth in their communities.”

The NBA All-Star Legacy Grants focus on youth-serving nonprofit organizations across Indiana. The initiative provided 24 grants up to $50,000 for brick-and mortar projects focused on health and wellness or education with an estimated impact on 90,000 youth statewide.

The NBA All-Star 2024 Rising Stars include:

Click here to see the NBA All-Star Legacy Grant Rising Stars selected for 2021.

NBA All-Star 2024 Rising Stars - Individual Descriptions

 
A Kid Again
Megan Broviak, Noblesville High School (Noblesville, IN)
 
Megan Broviak was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in March of 2015 and relapsed in September 2018. She has now been off treatment for three years. Despite missing almost an entire year, Megan loves school and works hard to maintain her high GPA, which is currently 4.2.

“Megan hasn’t let her diagnosis stop her,” said her nominator.

Her goal for her future is to become a pediatric oncologist. She is extremely determined and driven to be able to give back to future patients like she was helped.
 
Megan stands out at Noblesville High School. She is a National Honor Society inductee, marching band section leader, band council president, and a member of the Tri-M honor society.
 
She is an active volunteer in her community and has held multiple part-time jobs over the last few years.
 
Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources, Inc.
Cade Mahin, Morristown High School (Morristown, IN)

Agape prides itself on several high-character values.
 
“Cade Mahin has been a shining example of selfless service to Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources and his community,” said his nominator. “His inclusive personality brings everyone together and he makes them feel heard and supported when participating in activities.”
 
At Morristown High School, Cade has been active with the National Honor Society, where he’s currently serving a second term as chapter treasurer and previously served as president. He also currently serves his school community at large as Student Council treasurer.

Cade is also a multi-sport athlete at Morristown High School, as a member of the varsity basketball team, varsity soccer team, and a track team regional qualifier.
 
His commitment to his community is evident in his five-year participation in and current role as president of the Future Farmers of America, and his various community service activities, including traveling to southern Kentucky with his youth church group to help improve accessibility to a building by installing a wheelchair ramp and a new set of stairs.

“Many of our participants are lacking positive male role models and Cade brings out the best in our riders,” said his nominator. “We couldn't think of a better person who has done so much for so many people to be supported by this scholarship.”

Aspire House
Autumn Joshua, Believe Circle City High School (Indianapolis, IN)

“Autumn Joshua is a natural born leader destined for greatness,” beamed her nominator. “She sets the bar high for our scholars here at Believe Circle City High School.”

Autumn is a member of the basketball and volleyball teams at Believe Circle City High School, and led the basketball team to success this year as the team captain.

Autum serves as vice president of the Student Council at Believe Circle City High School and is active in her community by organizing a protest for school safety and toiletry drives, as well as participating in beautification projects throughout the city and working at a local basketball clinic for kids.

She is also dedicated to her education, managing to make the dean’s list while participating in dual enrollment at Ivy Tech. She earned her associate degree in May 2023 as a junior and her pharmacy technician certification in December 2023.

Autum plans to attend Purdue University and earn a doctorate in pharmacy.

Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County
Destiny Morales, Bedford North Lawrence High School (Bedford, IN)
 
Destiny Morales has a dream to become an elementary school teacher and use her passion for education to make a positive impact in the lives of kids in her community. 
 
“Destiny is a hardworking and motivated young woman,” said her nominator. “When she arrives at the Boys and Girls Club, she always has a smile on her face and is a true professional from the moment she enters the building until the moment she leaves.”
 
She is the vice president for the Ed Rising team, which qualified for the national competition in Orlando, Florida this year.

Destiny is also an active member of the youth group at Life Tabernacle and works weekends at a local diner.

Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville
Kathy (Zee) Melinger, Noblesville High School (Noblesville, IN) 
 
Since age nine, Zee Melinger has been an engaged and inspiring member of the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville. Patient, kind, dependable, honest, aware, empathetic, and caring are only some of the words their nominator used to describe Zee.

“From their first day, Zee made positive impressions on both club staff, their peers, and younger members with their capacity for giving, sharing, and teaching others,” said their nominator. “Zee hasn't ever once balked at a challenge while at the same time being true to their strengths.”

Zee has always been intrigued by the outdoors and displays their determination for learning by exploring the field of Science and Nature and jumps at any chance to introduce nature and what it offers to younger members.

In addition to their dedication to the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, Zee spends much of their time volunteering in their community through various activities like helping disabled children learn to swim safely at the Carmel Monon Community Center, assisting teachers and students with woodworking using tools at Makers Playground, helping kids learn fundamentals of bows and arrows at Koteewi Archery range, and is a counselor in training at Camp Crosser.
 
Zee is a member of Noblesville Girls Rugby team, member of the Noblesville High School Gay-Straight Alliance Club, and a longtime member in Keystone Club.
 
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana
DeAndre Cooper, Hammond Central High School (Hammond, IN)
 
As a long-time member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, DeAndre Cooper steps up to help any time he is asked, whether that be at the front desk, in the cafeteria, cleaning up around the Club, or helping mentor other kids.
 
“DeAndre is usually the first kid in the door each day,” said his nominator. “He is a hard worker and all-around great kid, and demonstrates excellent leadership skills and excels in friendliness, teamworking, and determination.”
 
DeAndre works hard to be a positive role model and a positive influence on the younger Club members by striving to set a good example for them.

He is a member of the football and track and field teams at Hammond Central High School. DeAndre has a passion for cooking – thanks to his mother – and plans to apply to the Area Career Center after high school to become a chef.
 
Boys & Girls Clubs of Marshall County
Sarah Stine, Bremen High School (Bremen, IN)
 
As a captain of the spell bowl team, math academic team member, National Honor Society inductee, avid member of the theater department, class secretary, member of library’s teen advisory board, and various other clubs, Sarah Stine is an outstanding student leader both academically and through extracurriculars.

“Sarah is always willing to jump in and help whenever she sees a need,” said her nominator. “She encourages others and likes to be behind the scenes making a difference. Sarah is going to go far in life.”

In addition to her dedication to her school and community, she is a member of the cross country team and previously participated in swimming and track at Bremen High School.

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County
Tala Tannir, Career Academy South Bend (South Bend, IN)

Tala Tannir’s nominator believes she is not only an amazingly talented young lady, but also an excellent student and an outstanding citizen in her community.

With a giving heart, Tala values giving back to her community by making sure she always takes the opportunity to volunteer while also making her academics and extracurricular activities a priority. Tala worked in the ISM feed the hunger food drive, volunteered at the local food bank, and passed out food during Ramadan as a part of the ISM.

Tala is very proud of her heritage and culture. Despite being a minority in the United States, she's never allowed that to hold her back or be a challenge when stepping into the forefront and into leadership roles in school.

She is a four-year member of the National Honor Society, volleyball team, and spirit club at Career Academy South Bend, as well as participated in band and served as a team manager for the boys basketball team.

Chances and Services for Youth
Aarna Koduru, Terre Haute South Vigo High School (Terre Haute, IN)

Aarna Koduru has been matched for two years with her little sister. Aarna reached out to Chances and Services for Youth with the desire to be a big sister even though there was not an active club at her school. She took the initiative to sign up and dedicated time every week with her little sister who is always excited to see her.

Aarna was nominated as a Rising Star because of the determination and effective leadership qualities she has shown.

She is also a volunteer for Math Counts and spends time at Union Hospital, the FSA Counseling Center, and the Vigo County Superior Court.

Aarna is an Exceptional Honors student at Terre Haute South Vigo High School, and is a member of various clubs and activities, including DECA, NHS, key club, STAND club, and the 2021 and 2022 state champion spell bowl teams.

Christamore House
Isaac Robertson, North Central High School (Indianapolis, IN)

As a future entrepreneur, Isaac is dedicated to learning as much as he can during high school while participating in various activities both in- and outside of school.

With a community-minded focus, Isaac has participated in various service projects with Christamore House throughout his high school career, including assisting summer campers, reading to preschoolers, and serving meals to senior citizens in the neighborhood, as well as serving as a liaison and a voice for the youth population at Christamore House.

“The main reason for my nomination is that many times when young African American men are acknowledged, it is typically because of high athletic achievement,” his nominator. “While Isaac has participated in sports, he excels in academics and giving back. Isaac is comfortable with his academic achievements and lives in a space where he doesn't feel the need to blend in with the peers who are participating in things that are not productive in who he wants to become in the future.”

In addition to being an avid soccer player for Tab Recreation and football player for the Indy Steelers, Isaac is active in his school’s Black Student Union and Best Buddies programs.

Isaac completed the Center for Leadership Development’s College Prep curriculum program(s) and Business Orientation Program with a goal of pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Business Management at a historical HBCU.

Concord Neighborhood Center
Charlize Pruitt, Christel House at Manual (Indianapolis, IN)

Charlize Pruitt has a sense of who she is and stays true to herself. She has a way with people and strives to keep things harmonize. Her 3.5 GPA is a testament to how hard she works and how important learning and school are to her.

“Charlize is a friendly and hardworking young lady with outstanding character,” said her nominator. “Her engaging smile and easy manner make her fun to be around.”

She is active with band and choir and participates in the Black Expo Music Program.

Dream Center Evansville
Brayden Huebner, Evansville North High School (Evansville, IN)
 
“Brayden Huebner is an outstanding student athlete who represents his school and sports with excellence,” said his nominator. “You can always count on him to be a positive role model and influence in the school community.”

While maintaining a 3.67 GPA at Evansville North High School with several honors and dual credit classes, Brayden shines as a member of the varsity basketball and baseball teams, as well as a National Honor Society inductee.
 
In his community, Brayden volunteers at Ashley Academy, a local baseball facility, working with younger kids, and is a challenger league volunteer for youth camps focused on basketball and baseball.
 
After high school, Brayden plans to play baseball at Ball State University. 
 
Duneland Family YMCA
Zoe Trakas, Chesterton High School (Chesterton, IN)
 
With a current cumulative grade point average of 4.6, dedicated athlete, and avid volunteer, Zoe Trakas is an exceptional member of the Chesterton High School community.
 
Zoe is a four-year team member and scholar athlete for Chesterton High School golf team. In the community, she cleans the high school green house, makes dog toys for local animal shelters, volunteers at the elementary school fun fair, and has helped with the American Heart Association walk set-up.
 
She is a participant in the International Baccalaureate program and loves any opportunity to travel aboard.

“Zoe is a quiet yet driven student,” said her nominator. “She chose to enter the International Baccalaureate program as the curriculum prepares students for college and the emphasis on community service.”
 
You can find Zoe at the Sand Creek Country Club outside of school working as a part-time golf attendant.
 
Friends of Historic Vernon
Alexis Carson, Jennings County High School (North Vernon, IN)
 
Volunteer firefighter, multi-sport athlete, member of Jennings County High School’s student athlete leadership team, exceptional work ethic, and willingness to assist others are a few reasons Alexis Carson was nominated.
 
“Alexis is an inspiration to other students,” said her nominator. “She is driven to succeed in education and athletics, and is dedicated to, not only in her school community, but in her neighborhood community as well.”
 
Alexis offers her time volunteering through her church and at various youth basketball camps, Fuel Up To Play 60 Sports Jamboree, hosting Halloween at Tripton Park, and the Muscata “duck” Race, as well as serving her community at both Westport and Letts Volunteer Fire Departments as a certified firefighter. She is on track to have her EMT certification in May 2024.
 
In addition to her dedication to the community, Alexis is a member of the Jennings County High School basketball and softball teams, as well as the student athletic leadership team (S.A.L.T).
 
Hawthorne Community Center
Jayla Williams, Ben Davis High School (Indianapolis, IN)

This Hawthorne Community Center Rising Star recipient is unapologetically dedicated to excellence in academics, learning and personal growth, her community, and her family.

“From the first day Jayla Williams walked through the doors of Vanguard Collegiate, it was evident that she was different,” said her nominator. “She is laser focused and undeterred by the obstacles in her way.”

Jayla is an inspiration in school spirit. As part of the Diamond Council, she is responsible for helping to organize homecoming and events and sales throughout the year to raise school spirit and student involvement.

Through her membership in the Pearls Club through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Jayla received mentoring and led several service-learning projects, including organizing a career day for middle and high school girls and creating a book drive at the local library. She’s also active in her neighborhood of Haughville where she participated in a food drive, teamed up with her peers to create food donation/give away boxes that are still located at the Haughville Library, and volunteered at the area animal shelter.

“Jayla’s mother instilled in her the importance of being studious, determined, polite, and kind, and serves as one of her greatest inspirations,” said her nominator. “It is our belief that she is on track to contribute something wonderful to our community and society as a whole.”

With a 3.9 GPA, her goal is to attend college to study biology/pre-med and pursue a career as an orthodontist.

Indy Public Safety Foundation
Rashon Butts, Crispus Attucks High School (Indianapolis, IN)

Rashon Butts’ work ethic, positive energy, community service efforts, integrity, and drive have been an inspiration to his peers. His dedication to community events has inspired his peers to follow his lead and do the same.

In addition to being a member of the Crispus Attucks basketball team, Rashon spends time as a mentor to youth in the community as a member of the OK mentoring program, IMPD CARES Mentoring program, led college tours, and participated in community juvenile summits. Off the court at school, he participates in the police athletic league (PAL).

An active participant in the community, Rashon has led barbershop talks surrounding community issues, wrapped gifts for Ray Skillman's Make-a-Wish event, and assisted with community clean-up initiatives.

His nominator also said, “As a peak performer in school, his community, and among his peers, Rashon deserves this scholarship because he truly is a Rising Star.”
 
Jameson Camp
Fatoumata Sow, Ben Davis High School (Indianapolis, IN)
 
Fatoumata Sow’s nominator said, “Fatoumata is an active student at Ben Davis and is a great candidate for the Rising Star scholarship.”

Fatoumata is active in a number of organizations, clubs, and activities at Ben Davis, including serving as vice president of the Muslim student association, senior class officer, giant kingdom, DECA, and the culinary arts program.

As a member of the JROTC, Fatoumata was also a key member of the state championship drill team.
 
Jay County Boys & Girls Club
Gage Sims, Jay County Jr-Sr High School (Portland, IN)
 
Gage Sims is a standout in his community as a student-athlete and in the classroom. As a member of the Jay County High School varsity golf and tennis teams, his accomplishments include a tennis sectional championship, all-conference award in tennis, and as a Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipient. 
 
He helps set the pace in the classroom, too, as the top student in his class with a 4.19 GPA and member of the National Honor Society.
 
Within Gage’s rural community of Portland, Indiana, he is the current vice president of the Jay County Future Farmers of America, president of the swine club, and a member of the junior fair board. Throughout high school Gage has also planted flowers at the Jay County retirement home, assisted the fairgrounds with the corn maze, HoliJay Light Show, and young Mcdonalds Farm, and served as emcee for Little Miss Winterfest.

“Gage is a fantastic young man who has excelled both academically and socially,” said his nominator. “He is a fantastic example of a Rising Star.”
 
Knightstown Kids Inc.
Baeli Renie, Knightstown Community High School (Knightstown, IN)
 
Baeli Renie is at the top of the pyramid as National Honor Society president, Student Council vice president, National Technical Honors Society, and has the highest GPA on the cheerleading team.

In addition to her academic and leadership accomplishments, Baeli is first chair flute in band, and a member of the art, French, history, and Bring Change 2 Mind club, Girl Scouts, academic team, and the cosmetology program, and has volunteered her time as a cheer camp mentor, and for Day of Caring, and Christmas at the Academy.
 
Baeli’s nominator said, “She is a leader in our building and prides herself on excelling in all aspects of her life.”

L & A Park Foundation (Libby & Abby)
Lacey Pickering, Delphi Community High School (Delphi, IN)

Lacey Pickering’s substantial history of athletic achievements and extracurricular involvement makes her a standout in the Delphi community.

As a multi-sport athlete participating in cross country, volleyball, basketball, and softball, she’s earned numerous awards and recognition honoring her sportsmanship, hustle, and mental toughness, to name a few.

“Lacey has experienced some health issues that would have benched most players, however, her desire to participate in sports through three different seasons has kept her working hard to not only play but to be a key player in each sport,” said her nominator.

Lacey is dedicated to the Delphi Future Farmers of America as the chapter president, and a member of the parliamentary team, judging team, and Carroll County 4-H club. She is also an active student at Delphi Community High School as a member of the Delphi Community High School president’s club, student council, National Honor Society, Spanish club, and student athlete leadership club.

“In addition to being a key leader in her sports, she is a leader in many other areas of the school,” said her nominator. “Lacey embodies what it means to stretch yourself and succeed.”

Lacey lends her time to be a mentor to local youth by helping with the annual kindergarten pumpkin patch, volunteering with pre-school and toddler programs at her church, assisting to package meals with the junior leaders of Carroll County, and working the concession stand and press box with the Delphi little league.

After high school, Lacey plans to study sports medicine and work toward becoming a collegiate trainer or physical therapist.

Whatever Lacey decides, her nominator is confident she will do it to the fullest of her ability.

Project H.O.P.E.
Devon Kelley, Liberty Christian High School (Anderson, IN)
 
Devon Kelley’s leadership and dedication to his own family is the reason his nominator started off by saying, “Devon is a young man of high character.”

Devon is as motivated on the basketball court and baseball field as he is outside athletics. He continues to demonstrate his outstanding personal growth in many aspects of life. He dedicates time to the Christian Center and has participated in Anderson University Service Day.

His devotion and love for his family is unparalleled. In addition to his athletic and community achievements, Devon works an after-school job to supplement the household income and support his mom in raising his siblings.

Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities 
Elliott Mohre, Edon Northwest (Edon, OH)
 
Elliott Mohre is scoring goals and breaking down barriers as one of the top youth hockey players in the nation and a 3^rd Degree Black Belt and SA Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee.

Born with Spina Bifida, Elliott started playing sled hockey with Turnstone in 2017. In his tenure with the team, he helped lead the team to four straight final four finishes at Nationals, including the team’s first-ever State Championship this past season. For the last five years, Elliott has been a member of the Summer USA Hockey Development camps, which is by invitation only to the top youth athletes each year who have the potential to make the USA Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.

Off the ice, Elliott has used his talent in karate to create a self-defense class at Turnstone for individuals with disabilities and helps teach a self-defense class with Family Protection Group.

Elliott is a regular face in the Edon community through a internship at his church and at his part-time job at Sam’s Place Steak House.

Washington County Family YMCA
Delainey Predmore, Salem High School (Salem, IN)

Delainey Predmore is a driven young woman who cares deeply for her community.

As stated by her nominator, "Delainey Predmore has provided years of consistent service and dedication with the Washington County Family YMCA. Before Delainey accepted a position as a Day Camp Counselor, she volunteered with our Summer Day Camp Program as a Counselor in Training.”

In addition to her work with the Washington County Family YMCA, Delainey is a member of the National Honor Society and the winter guard, as well as the Salem High School marching band. She is also a member of several other school clubs and organizations, including the student council and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD).

Delainey serves her community as the current 4-H president, camp counselor at Camp Rivervale, Salem band concession stand volunteer, and Sunday school assistant teacher at Wesley Chapel UMC.

Her nominator continued to say, “While I have been her direct supervisor for the past three years, I have had the opportunity to watch her grow personally, and as a member of our team. Delainey is a positive influence on her peers and a strong asset to any group that she is placed in.”
 
White’s Residential & Family Services
Carrie Collins, Southwood Junior-Senior High School (Wabash, IN)
 
Carrie Collins is not only an outstanding multi-sport athlete but known around the community as an outstanding student with high moral integrity.

While earning A’s in her many advanced and dual credit courses, Carrie is devoted to her faith and regularly participates in Bible Study, leads FCA, and teaches Sunday School classes for younger children.

Carrie is the captain of the varsity basketball team, and member of the varsity track and tennis teams, as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Campus Life, and Student Congress at Southwood Junior-Senior High School, and volunteers as an assistant coach for a youth coaches pitch team.

“Carrie Collins is an outstanding representative of academics, athletics, and integrity at Southwood,” said her nominator.