Madeline Regina Willette Memorial Scholarship
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
Madeline Regina Willette was more than a coach. She was a mentor, a teacher, and a leader. She was a founding member of the United Age Group Track Coaches Association (UAGTCA), where she helped shape the future of youth track and field in the region. She was also the Head Coach of the Philadelphia Express Track Club, where she inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. And she was an educator in the Philadelphia Archdiocesan School System, where she challenged her students to become well-rounded, critical thinkers.
Madeline passed away in 2009, but her legacy lives on. The UAGTCA established the Madeline Regina Willette Memorial Scholarship in her honor, to recognize and reward students who embody her ideals of excellence, passion, and service.
The scholarship is open to male and female applicants who have competed in either the UAGTCA Meets or the Philadelphia Express Cross-Country Series for at least five years, and who have demonstrated respectable academic knowledge and athletic abilities.
The UAGTCA will award $500 to one male and one female recipient at the Ron Jackson Youth Invitational.
If you share Madeline’s vision of making a positive impact in the world through sports and education, we invite you to apply for this scholarship. You could be the next champion of her legacy!
The complete Madeline Regina Willette (MRW) Scholarship online application package should include:
1. The Scholarship Application
2. Final Transcript from your high school or institute of higher learning
3. Acceptance Letter from the institute of higher learning
4. Community Service letters and/or certificates
5. Essay
The complete online application package should be submitted by the deadline of Saturday June 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM *
Scholarship winners will be notified on or before July 12, 2025.
* Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
2024 Madeline R. Willette Scholarship Awardees
Antoine Brown
Tri-State Elite Track Club Alum – Coach Rich Johnson
Antoine graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mt. Holly NJ in June 2024 with a Final Cumulative GPA of 5.237.
He was admitted to Rowan University’s College of Science and Mathematics’ Computer Science Program.
Honors and awards:
• Rancocas Valley Regional High School (RVRHS) Distinguished Honor Roll – September 2020 to June 2024
• RVRHS Certificate of Academic Excellence – May 2022
• RVRHS National Honors Society
• RVRHS National Mathematics Honors Society
• RVRHS National English Honors Society
Extra-Curricular Activities:
• RVRHS Varsity Track and Field, Sprinter
• RVRHS Chamber Choir
• International Thespian Society, RVRHS Chapter
• Red Devil Dramatics (RVRHS Drama Club), performed in a number of productions including the lead role of Pippin in the musical, Pippin
Leadership Activities:
• Track and Field, warm-up leader – December 2022 to June 2024
• Math Tutor for fellow students via the National Mathematics Honors Society – October 2023 to June 2024
• Audio Visual Manager: Led the management of audio equipment for church services, making services available to people online and in-person during the pandemic- September 2020 to October 2021
• Audio Visual Assistant: Assist in microphone and speaker setup and management for in-person and online church services – October 2021 to Current
Community Service Activities:
• Scanned church historical documents – August 2021
• Worked in a food truck serving free food to persons in need – 2/27/2022
• Make monthly visits to Abigail House for Nursing & Rehabilitation, Camden NJ, where I sing and, on occasion, play the saxophone for the residents – January 2013 to Current
• Serve as an church audio visual assistant -July 2020 to Current
• Serve as food bank volunteer during the summer months – June 2022 to Current
When asked why he should be a Madeline R. Willette Scholarship recipient, Antoine says:
“With a black composition notebook and a pencil, I scribbled out “prototypes” of my inventions. From practical appliances such as electric hand-warming gloves and portable power outlet cubes to fantastical imaginings including mind-reading robot servants and automatic kitchens, my seven-year-old mind was fascinated with inventing solutions to world problems. My parents, both having bachelor degrees in electrical engineering, introduced me to the concept of engineering and fed my interest with a children’s electricity kit.
In addition to taking engineering courses in high school, I pursued a newer interest in computer-programming through online courses and “Codewars”, a coding practice website that tested my fluency. Looking through solutions to “Codewars challenges”, I discovered each user’s solution was original and unique; For a task that one user solved with elif statements and variables, another solution to the same task would involve tuples and loops. Similarly, I was inspired to code my own solutions to problems as a software engineer.
In order to achieve my goal of becoming a software engineer, I plan to attend a university and earn a B.S in computer science. By pursuing a B.S in computer science, I hope to prepare for a career of solving problems in the field of technology, a cross-section of mathematical and creative thinking. As a future software engineer, my ambition extends beyond the mere creation of innovative solutions; it encompasses a responsibility to ensure fairness, uphold ethical standards, and navigate the potential pitfalls of widespread technological innovation. Attending college to pursue my goals is a costly endeavor. If I were honored to be a recipient of the Madeline R. Willette Memorial Scholarship, the funds awarded would greatly assist me in paying the many college expenses including tuition, books, and room and board. With determination, hard work, and the support of scholarships like the Madeline R. Willette Memorial Scholarship, I am confident that I can achieve my dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Sydni Stovall
Mt. Airy Track Club Alum – Coach Teri Bizzle
Sydni graduated from University of Delaware in May 2021.
She is currently a 3rd year full-time graduate student in Neumann University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She’s on track to graduate with her doctorate degree in May 2025.
Sydni’s track history included:
• Participant on the University of Delaware’s track team from 2017 – 2021
• Participant on Springfield Township High School (Montco)’s track team from 2013 -2017
• Participant in the UAGTCA and Philadelphia Express Cross Country Series from 2008 – 2017 as part of the Mt. Airy Track Club.
Honors and awards included:
• Captain of Women’s Track & Field Team at University of Delaware (2020-2021)
• Member of National Champion & record Holding 4×800 13-14 team (2013-2014)
• Club Champion in 15-16 women’s Steeplechase (2015-2016)
• 8x School Record holder in multiple events at Springfield Township High School (2013-2017)
• 9x State Medalist (indoor/outdoor) at Springfield Township High School (Montco) in 400/800 (2013-2017)
• Member of CAA Conference Champion Team at University of Delaware (2019)
• UAGI Record Holder in 13-14 Women’s 2000m Steeplechase
Community Service included:
• Volunteer – UAGTCA Developmental Meets (2016-present)
• Volunteer – MLK Day of Service with Jefferson Health since 2008
When asked why she should be a Madeline R. Willette Scholarship recipient, Sydni says:
“Throughout my life, I have been driven by a profound desire to serve and make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals. This passion has led me to pursue a career in physical therapy, focusing in the pediatric field, where I aim to contribute meaningfully to the well-being and development of children while embracing the challenges and creativity inherent in this field. My journey towards physical therapy has been guided by a simple yet powerful mantra: to connect my passion with my purpose.
Since the beginning of my journey to becoming a Physical Therapist, I have been drawn to opportunities where I can play a role in shaping their futures for the better. This innate desire to make a difference has only grown stronger over the years, fueling my ambition to pursue a career path aligned with my values and aspirations.
During my recent clinical affiliation within the School District of Philadelphia, I had the privilege of working with school-aged children and teenagers with a variety of neurological and orthopedic diagnoses. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities present in pediatric physical therapy. I witnessed firsthand the resilience and determination of these young patients as they navigated their rehabilitation journeys, and I was inspired by the transformative impact that physical therapy interventions could have on their lives. This hands-on experience has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the importance of meeting patients where they are, both physically and emotionally.
One of the aspects that excites me most about pediatric physical therapy is the opportunity for creativity and innovation. Children have unique personalities, interests, and challenges, which require therapists to think outside the box and adapt their approach accordingly. Whether it’s designing engaging exercises or incorporating play-based interventions, I am eager to embrace the creative aspect of pediatric physical therapy and find unique ways to empower my patients on their journey towards optimal health and wellness.
In conclusion, I should receive this scholarship because I have a strong desire to serve the youth in my community through Physical Therapy. My passion for pediatric physical therapy stems from a genuine desire to serve and make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals. Through my experiences and exposure, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of physical therapy interventions in improving the well-being and quality of life of pediatric patients. By connecting my passion with my purpose, I am dedicated to pursuing a career where I can make a lasting difference in their futures.”
Marc Cobbs
Philadelphia Express Track Club Alum – Coach Rhonda Baker
Marc is an Honor Roll student who graduated from North Penn High School, Lansdale PA in 2024
He was admitted to Millersville University’s College of Science and Technology as an Emergency Management Major
Extra-Curricular Activities included:
Football and Track
Leadership Activities:
Reading to students at Hadfield Elementary School
Special Track and Field Awards:
UAGTCA Outstanding Athlete in 2012
Community Service:
UAGTCA Volunteer
Math Tutor
Mentor to younger athletes
When asked why he should be a Madeline R. Willette Scholarship recipient, Marc says:
“At five years old, I was tying my spikes, preparing myself for competition. I can still remember my first 400, the excitement I felt going into the race, and the pain I felt during and after. I remember that last 100 meters and how badly I wanted to stop. With tears in my eyes, I was ready to just give up. Then I looked in the stands and saw my dad cheering me on with all his might, telling me not to quit and to finish. So I did. Crossing the line made me realize from a young age that no matter how hard something is, I can’t quit on myself or the ones that support me. And the feeling of accomplishment is worth the pain. The saying “Mind over matter” is really expressed when it comes to track. For me, track isn’t just a sport or a place to run around in circles, it’s the place where I learned mental strength and created bonds with people I still communicated with to this day. And I have UAGTCA to thank for that.”