The 13 Collier County seniors selected as 2023 Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Award finalists

Collier County's Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Award will be presented for the 34th time on Monday night.

Thirteen student-athletes from county high schools were selected as finalists with the winner being announced during the Winged Foot Scholarship Banquet at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.

Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver and national TV football analyst Chris Carter will be the keynote speaker.

More: Winged Foot Scholarship sets banquet date, guest speaker

More: Meet the 13 Collier County 2022 Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Award finalists

More: Naples High School's Lane Calkins wins 2022 Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete award

Graduating seniors from Collier County high schools are eligible for the award, which was first given in 1990 by the Collier Athletic Club. Each candidate was required to complete an extensive application process in order to be considered by their respective schools. Each school then determined its representative.

All 13 candidates were interviewed by the Winged Foot selection committee, and the committee then chose a winner.

The Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Foundation will give $5,000 to each of the finalists. The winner receives a $10,000 scholarship – $2,500 a year for four years. The other finalists receive one-time stipends.

Naples High School's Lane Calkins, who signed to play lacrosse at Princeton, won the honor last year.

Here are the 13 finalists for 2023 including highlights from their resume, quotes from their interview with the committee, and a snippet from their letters of recommendation.

Bernardo Barnhart Jr.

School: Palmetto Ridge

Sports: cross country, wrestling, track

Highlights: Barnhart was a county, district, and regional cross country champ who placed 10th in the state this season, the best of his four varsity campaigns. He's also a three-year varsity wrestler and qualified for states as an individual as a junior. He helped create a family business called IceBros, which makes and delivers ice. He bags, delivers, and handles invoicing. He'll be continuing his running career at Florida State in the fall.

Quote: "Hard work and I'm just dedicated to everything I do and just put in 100 percent to whatever I do. My parents always taught me that. In life and in school and you get the results later on."

From the letter of recommendation: "Beyond his abilities, Bernardo is just easy to work with, humble individual. Even as he makes a name for himself year after year and sport after sport, he doesn't do it to put anyone else down but rather just to achieve more each year. As a coach, I've always respected the athletes that prove themselves through their work as opposed to their word." − Matthew Cevallos, Palmetto Ridge cross country, weightlifting, and track coach

Kathryn Barry

School: Marco Island

Sports: Basketball, cross country, track

Highlights: Four-year varsity basketball letter winner and team captain, while also earning two varsity letters in cross country and track. Holds school basketball records for career points (1,271), points in a season (472) and in a game (38). A National Merit Scholar Finalist, she won first place in the Collier County Laws of Life Essay and Speech Contest out of 3,700 applicants and the Optimist International Essay Contest. She's competed in the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships in St. Louis and was invited to compete in the 2023 American Chemical Society Chemistry Olympiad. She will be attending Rice University in the fall.

Quote: "I grew up with a basketball in my crib. I just really loved it from the start. I don't know, I just love to play the game right, and like I'm not one of these types of people that go "Oh 3!" I don't really like to flaunt, I let the plays speak for themselves. I just love to just, I don't know, just something about it's just like an art form to me. And it's just a part of me so like no matter what I do in the future, basketball will always be a part. So I just love it just for itself. Nothing more, nothing less."

From the letter of recommendation: "As a young child, Kathryn spent over two years in and out of hospitals across our country with a life-threatening immune system disorder. Her days were consumed by doctors and tests, and her condition gradually deteriorated. After a breakthrough, and her subsequent recovery, my wife Kim and I were just grateful to have her home and in one piece. But soon, our once sickly and frail daughter surprisingly developed a remarkable vigor for life and learning. We often stumbled over her musical instruments, books, projects, and paintings. Over the years, we were continuously surprised by her accomplishments such as 7 perfect scores on Florida standardized tests as well as other academic and athletic achievements." − Travis Barry, Marco Island girls basketball coach and father

Chelsey Chambers

School: Lely

Sports: Soccer, softball, swimming, lacrosse

Highlights: A three-year varsity soccer player, Chambers joined the softball and swimming teams her senior year after playing lacrosse as a junior. She was the DECA president, a member of student government, and the National Honors Society vice president her senior year. She had previously been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and amassed 520 service hours during her high school career. She'll be attending the University of Florida to major in biology.

Quote: "In the fall, since I didn't play a fall sport my first three years of high school, I had a lot of free time. So I would help my school's athletic trainer, just with whatever he needs. He kind of taught me the basics of training, whether it was like wrapping cuts, or like applying the stim machines that we have at my school. So I would do that every day after school for like, two hours, if not more. And it was really cool because I learned a lot about medicine, but it was like among my peers so it was fun."

From the letter of recommendation: "She has demonstrated excellence in every one of the many endeavors she has undertaken. She is a proven leader in the classroom and in the community. I believe there will be no limit to her growth and achievements in college and beyond. She will impress her colleagues and represent you well, ultimately bringing fresh ideas and an abundance of energy to her work. I couldn't give a stronger endorsement." − Lely AP math teacher Lynn McNamara

Peyton Davidson

School: Gulf Coast

Sports: Lacrosse, weightlifting

Highlights: The standout Sharks lacrosse player was a Southwest Florida Player of the Year finalist as a junior and a multiple The Naples Daily News First Team selection. A Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, she is her school's highest-ranking cadet. She was second overall in the state for Female Varsity Raiders and was the rope bridge state champion. Davidson won the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Presidential Scholarship, the Federal 4-year Army ROTC Scholarship, the VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest winner, the Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest winner, and the AAUW Jeannine Stetson Tribute Scholarship winner. She plans to pursue Homeland Security and Intelligence at Embry Riddle with the goal of being a tactical intelligence officer in the Army and deploying with combat troops in the frontlines zones.

Quote: "Growing up in Naples, it's been such a privilege that I understand that I have, and I've gotten a lot of help from my community and especially where I live. A lot of it has helped me be where I am. So the best thing that I can think to do is to give back to Naples through the things like JROTC or coaching the girls team, or even in the athletics field where I do team management for the boys lacrosse team. I love lacrosse, I love Naples and I think anything I could do to give back to it would just be like a duty. You have a responsibility to after everything has been given to you."

From the letter of recommendation: "Peyton Davidson selflessly serves in her current position due to her dedication not only to the organization but most importantly her dedication to each of the cadets to succeed. Her leadership, dedication and work ethic are unmatched. Peyton goes beyond what is expected from a student leader, which makes her stand out from her peers." − Michael P. Shoen, Colonel, US Army

Fabian Estrada

School: Immokalee

Sports: Cross country, track

Highlights: Estrada is a three-time cross country and two-time track team captain. He was the cross country team MVP and a state qualifier as a senior. He's a district and state clarinet superior soloist, becoming the first Immokalee student in 15 years to get a state superior in any instrument, plus captain of the marching band as well as first chair clarinet for the concert and jazz bands. As a member of the Immokalee Foundation, he interned as a microbiologist at Arthrex and plans to become a medical engineer. He's also the senior class vice president and National Honor Society and BETA Club member who earned dual enrollment credit at Florida SouthWestern. He'll be attending the University of Florida in the fall.

Quote: "I'm part of the Immokalee Foundation and they helped prepare me because based on my major interest and the healthcare field has always been an interest to me and I plan to major in biomedical engineering so they paired me with Arthrex. And it was a great experience. I loved being in the factory setting in the microbiology setting, and I was working with a lot of microbiologists, and they had me testing Petri dishes that had been testing different types of tools. And it was really, honestly, a great hands-on experience. And it gave me a lot of insight on what I want to do in the future."

From the letter of recommendation: "In Fabian's leadership role as a Captain, I have placed utmost confidence in his integrity and strong moral character. During some very strenuous and strict training seasons, he has had to carry the responsibility of modeling a "never quit" attitude and pushes not only himself but also his team to embody that type of strength." − Anita Munoz Trejo, biology and anatomy teacher and cross country and track coach.

Amanda Finger

School: Golden Gate

Sports: Soccer, lacrosse

Highlights: She was rookie of the year and has been a team captain for soccer since freshman year and played two years of varsity lacrosse. She's the student government media coordinator, volunteered at Calusa Park Elementary, organized a beach volleyball club with students from five other schools, and worked at the Harborside Animal Clinic. She will attend FAU and pursue a biology degree.

Quote: "So my dad had a stroke in the frontal lobe, he shouldn't have survived. He had like a 0.1% chance of living. And he survived it. And if you look at him, he looks normal. You can't tell he has a disability. He can physically not talk. So he can, yes, no, kind of understand what you're saying. So the patience with that has helped me with patience with my teammates and with other troubles I've run along with other people. And honestly, I don't feel sorry for him. He is probably one of the biggest inspirations because he has now learned that his life came at risk, and he could have lost his life. And he lives every day with a smile on his face. And I think that's the best thing that has come out of it because he's taught me that there is no time to be in than the present, and just do your best with everything you come across."

From the letter of recommendation: "As a student-athlete, she has shown wonderful academic achievements and a strong sense of discipline. She understands what it takes to be successful in the classroom, on the field, and in life. She always strives for success and is a great role model for others. She is very smart, hardworking, honest, trustworthy, and sincere." − Getty Pierre, French teacher and soccer coach

Carole Ann Hussey

School: Seacrest

Sports: Volleyball, beach volleyball, track

Highlights: Hussey has had an impressive senior year athletically, winning district titles in volleyball, soccer, beach volleyball, and track (shot put), and helped the Seacrest volleyball team capture its second straight Class 2A title in 2022. She's the Senior Class president, the yearbook chief editor, the National Honor Society communications/project chief, and is in the peer mentoring program at Seacrest. She will attend Newberry College to play volleyball and major in anthropology.

Quote: "I have a calendar. And that calendar is religious. I mean, if somebody mentions something like districts are this time, or you might have a game this time, I gotta write that down. And that's been a part of my organization, I would say is the answer to that, staying organized, staying on top of things, making sure that practice schedules work with each other, not against each other. And that's always been a little bit of a struggle, you know, trying to explain to coaches, I can't make that practice time I already have this practice for club volleyball, or I have track and field or beach volleyball. It takes a lot of communication and a lot of organization and I've been blessed with both of those skills. I really don't have any kind of problems sitting down and telling another coach or teacher like I have other commitments. And if you want me as a full-time student and as a full-time athlete, you have to understand that you're gonna get every single percent of my effort at a certain time, but it has to be at the time where I'm free and that's the answer but it's been extremely stressful but at the same time, so amazing to work with so many different kinds of people."

From the letter of recommendation: "Another rare and priceless quality of Carole Ann is her ability to encourage those around her. She has an unquenchable thirst to improve herself, however, she has a remarkable gift of giving grace to those around her, while pushing them to become more and achieve more than they thought possible on and off the volleyball court." − Jan Class, Seacrest volleyball coach

Grayson Kerscher

School: Community School of Naples

Sports: Basketball, football, track and field, lacrosse, cross country

Highlights: Kerscher played five different varsity sports during his Seahawks career, including multiple roles on the football team − running back, linebacker, wide receiver, and cornerback. He was the team captain for football and basketball. He joined the lacrosse team his senior year and although he had never played before he became a key cog in the team's defense. He is also the Fellowship of Christian Athletes president, a National Honor Society member, and won the Sports Psychology Academic Award. He will attend Denison University to play football and major in economics.

Quote: "I have a bigger influence on other people than I realize. And I've just tried to take that moment to kind of think about how I can impact all my teammates when playing other sports. And I just try my best to, I'm more of a reserved and quiet person, but when I'm in sports I kind of open up a little bit more. And I've been fortunate and with that, that I'm able to open up around sports and I just have kind of emerged as a vocal leader this year, especially as a senior leader, because all of the other captains for both football and basketball that I've been with are also really quiet and they don't open up as much as me so that kind of forced me to open up and just kind of lead my team."

From the letter of recommendation: "Grayson is a multi-sport superstar. A gifted athlete, he competed at the highest levels in football and basketball. Though he had never touched a lacrosse stick prior to just a week before the lacrosse season his senior year, Grayson has become an important piece to a state championship-contending lacrosse team. His athletic abilities are remarkable. His off the field character is equally as remarkable. Grayson is an excellent student and a leader within the community." − Paul Selvidio, CSN football coach

Catherine Laur

School: Barron Collier

Sports: Swimming, track and field, volleyball

Highlights: Laur has been one of Collier County's top swimmers, qualifying for the state meet in 15 events over her career, and is a state track qualifier in discus and javelin. In the classroom, she has a 5.72 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, History Honor Society and is a dual enrollment student and a member of the FSW Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She plans to attend the University of Florida and work toward a career in sports medicine.

Quote: "Sports is my free time. There's nothing I'd rather be doing in my free time other than sports. So I got to be my teammates and it was really just, I couldn't ask for anything more. It also really helped by doing dual enrollment. I only go to school two days a week, which is super awesome for the things that I want to do. I can do clubs and I can do all my different sports. So I really think balancing it out was a struggle at first, but ever since I got into a rhythm, I just kept with it. I think I'm gonna continue that in college as well."

From the letter of recommendation: "She is always in a good mood, never gets discouraged and holds her head high during challenging games or practices. Catie is not afraid to ask for help, how to improve her game or how to be a better player and teammate. She is focused, always has a positive attitude and a smile on her face, ready to work hard and never gives up. Catie's amazing attitude, commitment and dedication are all great qualities that make her a role model for her teammates and anyone lucky to know Catie." − Yamil Del Valle, Barron Collier volleyball coach

Havana Layton

School: Naples

Sports: Swimming, track and field

Highlights: Layton holds seven Naples High swimming records, finished second in the 100 freestyle at state as a junior and senior, and added a third place in the 200 medley relay in 2022. Overall she won three silver and two bronze medals in her career and added five more podium finishes. She also competes in the pole vault and javelin for track. She played the tuba for the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and has been awarded the Naples Key to the City twice. She's Senior Class President, National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes member. She'll attend the University of Vermont to swim and compete in the pole vault and will double major in political science and film

Quote: "Sports and academics are both equally as important in my life, because I grew up doing sports, from when I was like 3 years old. For me, academics has always just come really easily. I was blessed with that the fact that, I kind of have like a photographic memory, so I never really need to study which helps me when I'm doing sports, because like, I can practice and not have to be like, 'Oh, I have to go study now.' Because I just remember things easily and it comes naturally for me."

From the letter of recommendation: "Most of all, however, Havana brings a personality and a sense of humor to the classroom that is both uplifting and unique. Her contributions keep discussions lively and enriching and, often times, help others to be motivated to participate. In addition to this, her wit helps contribute to an atmosphere that fosters collaboration, learning, and humorous moments, which truly cannot be discounted." − Frederick Mason Laderer, Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition teacher and National Honor Society sponsor

Esteban Pinalla

School: St. John Neumann

Sports: Cross country, soccer, track and field

Highlights: He was the cross country team MVP and captain as well as the track team captain as a senior. He volunteered over the summer at NCH for the neurology department, is an Altar Server at St. Agnes and St. John Neumann, is a Key Club, National Honor Society, and Spanish Club member. The robot he built placed first in the school-wide Rev Robotics Competition and was on the Scholar Bowl Team that qualified for states. He will attend FGCU to pursue biotechnology.

Quote: "My freshman year, a senior was Andrew Mitchell. And he was great. I didn't run cross country that year but I ran track. And just like all watching him train, and I'm like, 'Oh wow!', like he was training high mileage and I never really expected to be at that point. Like he was going like six, eight miles a day. So I just thought that was like, really scary to me. And then just I started training on my own like that, and he's been a person that I've tried to replicate."

From the letter of recommendation: "Esteban is an exceptional student who excels both academically and athletically, volunteers tirelessly, and is a positive influence on her peers. He embodies the values and discipline associated with this scholarship. I have no doubt that he will continue to achieve great things in the future and make a positive impact on the world around him." − Susan Cavness, AP Environmental Science and Physics teacher

William Smallwood

School: Everglades City

Sports: Basketball, baseball

Highlights: Smallwood is a 4-time basketball and 2-time baseball letter winner and has won the unsung hero and best all-around player awards for the basketball team. He works at Triad Seafood. He plans to become a firefighter.

Quote: "Everyone's like a family. You go to school it's not like, 'Oh, hey buddy' it's kind of like seeing your brother or going home to your house. There's arguments here and there like brothers would but yeah, everyone's nice. Even the teachers, teaching staff, everyone's like a family. It's really nice."

From the letter of recommendation: "Billy is a well-rounded individual with a passion for learning. His academic achievements, coupled with his motivation, and leadership traits, make Billy a dynamic candidate. I look forward to seeing all the good that he will continue to do after high school and beyond." − Eric Evenson, teacher

Michael Votta

School: First Baptist

Sports: Football, soccer, track and field

Highlights: Votta was the football Defense Team MVP and captain his junior and senior seasons and was a main contributor for First Baptist's state championship team in 2022. He was a member of the varsity track team for four years and joined the soccer team as a senior. He won the National Football Foundation scholar-athlete award and is the National Honor Society chaplain as well as Senior Class President and a member of the pep club. He also won the Distinguished Christian High School Student Leadership Award. He'll be playing football at Middlebury College in Vermont and pursuing a biology degree.

Quote: "I've been involved in youth sports all my life and my dad will tell you that's the reason, youth sports will keep you disciplined. Going into high school, everybody knows cheating and all that is there so just saying that it's not gonna help me in the long run, and I can cheat my way there. But once I get there, it's not gonna help me. And just choosing to do the right thing will help me when I get older and just in every facet of life."

From the letter of recommendation: "Michael has unique intrinsic motivation that drives him to achieve success in all that he does. Michael is someone that has his priorities in order and understands the importance of having a high personal standard and a remarkable work ethic. One of his most admirable qualities is his ability to set his mind and body to a specific goal set and then do what is required to accomplish that set goal." − Matt Jansen, teacher and coach

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: The 2023 Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Award names its 13 finalists