Spring-Ford Senior Receives Prestigious Scholarship from Montgomery County Organization

The Triangle Club of Montgomery County offers one William F. Dannehower Award a year to an outstanding high school senior student in the county who achieves excellence in service, sports and school. This year, for the first time in Spring-Ford Area School District history, senior Sarah Hancock has been recognized as the recipient of this prestigious scholarship.

“I’m honored to receive this award. There were so many qualified candidates, I was shocked when they announced I was the winner,” Hancock said. The winner was announced at the May 8 banquet where nominees were invited to celebrate their many accomplishments. “I’m proud to represent my school district as the 2014 winner.”

Hancock is ranked No. 1 in her class and is in the running to be the Valedictorian of the Spring-Ford Senior High School Class of 2014. She received the recognition of Commended Student from the National Merit Scholarship Program, was awarded the Certificate of Merit from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania PHEAA, and was honored with the AP Scholar with Honors for her excellent Advanced Placement (AP) scores. Overall, Hancock has taken eight AP courses throughout high school, including four her senior year.

Throughout her high school career, Hancock has played on the Varsity Soccer team, serving as a starter since freshman year and working her way to team captain as a senior, leading the team to its first PIAA State Finals game. She has participated in the Soccer Eastern Pennsylvania State Olympic Development Program, Club Soccer Premier Team and Soccer College ID clinics and camps at the University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to her achievements on the soccer field, Hancock has been a member and leader of many clubs at the high school. She has been a member of the Science and Math clubs since her freshman year, serving this year as President for the Science Club and Secretary for the Math Club. For three years she was a member of the Interact Club, where she helped local charities provide meals to those in need and wrapped holiday gifts for children. She was inducted into the National Honor Society her junior year and has continued to participate as a member. Additionally, during her senior year she became a member of the French Club.

As if her schedule wasn’t packed enough, Hancock has also been extremely involved in the local community. She has volunteered for several years with Main Line Animal Rescue; the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy and West-Mont United FC; and Wonderland of Wishes. During high school, she participated in Spark the Wave and volunteered with The Variety Club Day Camp, Cradles to Crayons, Abington Memorial Hospital and Normandy Farms.

“I think what put me at the top of the nominees was my work ethic,” Hancock said. “I worked my way up for everything I’ve accomplished. I dedicated my time and energy to doing better. Sometimes it was difficult to manage, but I did it, and I think that really defines who I am.”

Next year, Hancock will be going to Swarthmore College to study Biology. She has already been recruited to play soccer at the DIII level.

“This is, without a doubt, a special honor for both Sarah and the District,” Principal Pat Nugent said. “We are proud of Sarah. This is an amazing accomplishment that recognizes her work on the field, in the classroom and throughout the community.”