At the IHSAA State cross country meet. held in Terre Haute on October 29, 2011, Senior at Valparaiso High School, Ahmad Aljobeh was given the Mental Attitude Award.
The 2011 Charles F. Maas Mental Attitude Award for boys cross country went to Ahmad Aljobeh based on scholarship, mental attitude, leadership and athletic ability. Ahmad is an outstanding example of all these requirements.
Ahmad was injured during a practice run this past summer, making participating in cross country during the 2011 season a challenge. He did not quit or give up. In fact, he demonstrated he wanted to serve as part of the team in any capacity. Ahmad demonstrated excellent support and sportsmanship to his teammates throughout this past season as well as in previous years.
In addition to the award, Indiana Farm Bureau, a proud corporate partner of the IHSAA, will award a $1,000 scholarship to Valparaiso High School. Since 1989, over $745,000 in college scholarships have been presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to deserving high school students in Indiana.
Ahmad Aljobeh was nominated by his cross country coach Mike Prow and the principal of Valparaiso High School James Doane. They feel that Ahmad has excelled in mental attitude, athletic ability, scholarship and leadership during his four years of high school.
The award was presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Agent Ben Zimmer. Zimmer announced, “This check in the amount of $1000 will be added to the general scholarship fund in the name of Ahmad Aljobeh.”
Ahmad received his award and the check along side his proud parents Zudhi and Eman Aljobeh.
Coach Prow said, “Ahmad being the first (for Valpo cross country) to receive the Mental Attitude Award is the same as having an individual State Champion. We are so proud of Ahmad and he deserves this.”
Thank you to Kelly Coulopoulos and Kathy Mangel for contributing photos!"