(Neb.)-Woodhead, Heineman Speak At Scholarship Luncheon

By: Chad Franzen Posted at: 04/21/2011 08:33 AM

When the Nebraska State College System was looking for speakers for its annual Scholarship Luncheon, it found two of the state’s biggest names.

The event in downtown Lincoln on Friday, April 15, featured Danny Woodhead, the former Chadron State College football player who burst onto the NFL scene with the New England Patriots last fall, and Gov. Dave Heineman, who has occupied the state’s top post since January 2005. As an added bonus, Woodhead was accompanied by Jim Leonhard, a defensive back who was a teammate with the North Platte native during his time with the New York Jets.

About 30 students who will attend NSCS schools on Board of Trustees scholarships attended the event, three of whom will attend Woodhead’s alma mater. The NSCS consists of Chadron State College, Peru State College and Wayne State College.

While Woodhead has dazzled countless fans with his athletic skills, his academic achievements are also impressive. He graduated magna cum laude from Chadron State in May 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in math education.

In 2007, Woodhead was the college Division II Academic Player of the Year and a finalist for the Draddy Trophy, which is awarded to the best college player of all divisions with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance. Woodhead was twice awarded the Harlon Hill Trophy for being the best player in NCAA Division II. He also is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American.

Woodhead and Leonhard's wives, Stacia and Katie, also attended Friday's event.

Recipients of the Board of Trustees Scholarship receive a four-year tuition scholarship to cover up to 16 credit hours of on-campus tuition for eight semesters. Students must maintain a 3.25 cumulative grade point average to qualify for the renewal each year. Recipients are residents of Nebraska who have an ACT score of 25 or above or a SAT score of 1700 or above. The application deadline is in September.

—Justin Haag, CSC Information Services