The Swope, Rodante Vanguard Award Selection Board is pleased to share that Plant City High School senior, Oscar Mendoza, has been selected as the January Student Athlete of the Month. The mission of The Swope, Rodante Vanguard Award is to celebrate outstanding high school student athletes and coaches throughout Hillsborough County. Oscar will be presented the award on February 6th as well as a $1,000 check to be donated to the school’s Athletic Department.
Oscar has been a Varsity Soccer starter since his freshman year in Plant City High School. He was nominated by his soccer coach, Caleb Roberts, for his perseverance and ability to overcome obstacles. Oscar was the CASL Tournament Champion in 2013, 2014, 2015 and a finalist in 2016. He was also a Disney Soccer Showcase Finalist in 2015 and 2016, Orlando City Festival Champion in 2016, and is part of a club team that is ranked in the top three in the state from 2014-2016.
A true example of a Swope, Rodante Vanguard Award Student Athlete of the Month, Oscar has volunteered with the United Food Bank, Relay For Life, Interact/Civitan Community, Plant City Optimist Club, and is active in the St. Clement Catholic Church and Resurrection Catholic Church. Although his schedule keeps him busy, he has excelled in academics and maintained a 5.74GPA. After graduating high school, Oscar plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Physician Assistant while playing collegiate soccer at a four year university.
REQUIREMENTS FOR NOMINATED STUDENTS
- The student athlete’s name and year (juniors and seniors only);
- Current overall GPA (GPA of 3.0 or above);
- Sport and athletic achievements; Community involvement;
- Any hardships overcome by the student athlete;
- and Plans for continuing education.