HARVEST- The Heisman High School Scholarship Award recognizes exceptional ability, encouraging integrity and community responsibility and awards those student-athletes who display those virtues of excellence. Created in 1994 through a partnership with Wendy’s and the Heisman Trophy Trust, the national award has presented thousands of athletes from all 50 states with scholarship opportunities through exceptional action in the course of a sport, as well as, away from the confines of the athletic endeavor.

Sparkman High named its school winners for 2023 as Cassie Reasner and Parker Ford received their due recognition for being outstanding senior student-athletes.

“I really didn’t know about the award and my mother gave me the news I had been chosen for Sparkman,” said Reasner, a senior shortstop for the Senators softball team and reigning Most Valuable Player for the squad from a year ago. “I’m excited about being the winner as I know this award is a big deal to be chosen.”

As school winners, both Reasner and Ford qualified for the State award with possible advancement to National Finalists and National Winners of the coveted award.

Ford has been a two-sport athlete at Sparkman partaking in both soccer and golf. He began playing golf at age five and played for the PGA Jr. League and on the Sparkman team until his freshman year when he chose to concentrate on his talents on the soccer field as a fullback on the soccer team. A hip injury during his sophomore season presented Ford with a struggle to regain his strength and flexibility, even after undergoing extensive physical therapy. He has since chosen to forego playing additional soccer, and at the same time due to his experiences in his medical endeavor has chosen to attend college and possible earn his way into the world of Sports Medicine. He plans to begin attending college this fall with a major in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy.

“Academically I know I look impressive, but athletically, I didn’t think I would win,” said Ford of his Heisman Award.

Ford carries a 4.25 grade point average and has taken numerous advancement placement and dual enrollment classes. Besides his array of academic honors, he’s also busy in the community volunteering his time through being a member of the Fellowship Presbyterian Church where he has volunteered countless hours assisting the elderly members in the church with home projects or other needed chores. He’s also an acolyte and usher in his church.

“I like doing my part for my community by helping the less fortunate as I directly give them support,” added Ford, who participates in a multitude of service-based organizations at Sparkman. “I will receive academic scholarships and will attend either Auburn or UAB. I like being around athletics and sports and enjoy the health industry. I attended a pharmacy camp at Auburn last year and a discovery medical camp in 2021 in preparation of my future.”

“I feel I’m a good all-round person and anytime I have the opportunity to help others I do it,” added Reasner, who assists in the local Miracle League and Harvest House and has spent time serving food to the homeless.

The 5-foot-10, 150-pound athlete committed to Kentucky early in her playing time at Sparkman and suffered two season-ending injuries at the tail end of last year’s softball season. She regained her strength in time for the volleyball season last fall where she was one of the leading players. Reasner has a 3.9 grade point average and will one day like to work as a physical therapist.

The Heisman High School Scholarship program honors the nation’s most accomplished, community-minded high school senior athletes. These remarkable young leaders set the example and make a game-changing difference every day, paving the way to greatness for everyone around them.