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CHS Student, Academic, and Community Leader Shines Bright at 2024 NBA All-Star with "Rising Stars" Grant
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.
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 the Chesterton High School golf team. In the community, she cleans the high school greenhouse, 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, Dave Kasarda. “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.