CHICAGO — The 106th NFHS Summer Meeting in Chicago celebrated the profound impact of high school sports and performing arts on millions of Americans. The event featured the induction of the 42nd class into the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame, highlighting the achievements and dedication of its inductees.
Caryn Schoff-Kovatch, a former basketball player from New York’s St. Johnsville High School and the state’s all-time leading scorer in girls basketball, described her high school sports experience as “a magical time.” She was among four former high school athletes inducted into the 2025 class. Other inductees included Anna Maria Lopez, Tim Dwight, and Prince Amukamara, each celebrated for their high school sports achievements and the life lessons they gained.
Tim Dwight, who led City High School in Iowa City to its first state football championship, said, “The excitement of going to school at City High School was something special.” He emphasized the pride in seeing the trophies for their state championships.
Prince Amukamara, a standout at Apollo High School in Glendale, Arizona, reflected on the importance of sportsmanship, saying, “Sportsmanship is very important and says a lot about your character.”
The class also included three high school coaches with a combined 133 years of experience and 39 state championships. Jim Ciccarello, still active at 83, has coached girls track and field in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for over 55 years. “My immediate family is myself and my two brothers, but my extended family is the 70,000 kids I’ve taught all these years,” Ciccarello said.
Other coaches honored were Linda Lampkin, Missouri’s most successful girls volleyball coach, and Phil Savitz, South Carolina’s winningest soccer coach. Savitz expressed his love for high school sports, stating, “What I love about high school soccer is the relationships you get to develop.”
The meeting also recognized the impact of high school programs beyond sports. Jack Punswick, a state champion swimmer from Blue Valley West High School in Kansas, received the National High School Spirit of Sport Award. Despite battling cancer, Punswick continued to compete and found inspiration in his journey, aiming to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Eden Coppersmith, a student at Paxton High School in Nebraska, received the Heart of the Arts Award. Born with Spina Bifida and selective mutism, Coppersmith overcame significant challenges to become a confident speaker through her school’s speech program.
The NFHS Summer Meeting underscored the role of high school sports and arts in shaping students into successful citizens and leaders.