Denny Sullivan Scholarship Award
This scholarship award has been established to honor Denny “Sully” Sullivan, Track and Field coach at Grant High School from the early 1950s to his final season, 1962. During his tenure, his teams had five consecutive years of undefeated dual meets, several city relay and city track and field championships, and the state championship in 1961. Sully’s track teams were the best in the history of Grant high school at that time.
The athletes under his guidance were required to remain academically eligible, remain on course to be eligible for entrance in an institution of higher learning, and be competitive in the athletic venture while enjoying each experience. The athletes had to establish goals and had to work hard to accomplish those goals, while letting the performances be proof of the dedication and work ethic.
The Denny Sullivan Scholarship Award will annually honor the top graduating Portland Interscholastic League male and female track and field / cross country athletes as nominated by their schools.
The Denny Sullivan Scholarship Award was developed by Butch Lumby to honor his coach, mentor, and lifelong friend.
The requirements for receiving the Denny Sullivan Scholarship include:
- Top Male / Female PIL Graduating Senior
- Outstanding Academic Achievement, 3.0 minimum
- Outstanding Cross Country / Track and Field Achievement
- Financial Assistance Need
- Community / School Volunteer Involvement
Preference will be given to Candidates planning to attend an Oregon College or University.
The nominees from each school will be determined by the A.D.’s, the Track Coaches, and the Counseling Staff. The winners will be determined by an independent committee.
The winners are selected by an independent committee, and will be honored at the annual Portland Interscholastic League Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held each October.
Shannon & Denny Sullivan:
Denny Sullivan 2024 Award Winners!
The $10,000 Awards will be presented at the PIL Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Banquet held each October.
2024 Female Denny Sullivan Scholarship Award Winners
1st place (tie) $10,000 Scholarship - Havana Alonso – Roosevelt
1st place (tie) $10,000 Scholarship - Josie Fale – Ida B. Wells
2024 Male Denny Sullivan Scholarship Award Winner
1st place $10,000 Scholarship - Benati Louvouezo – Grant High School
Additional Congratulations to our Second Place Award Winners!
Amelia James – Lincoln High School – $7500
Ethan Aman – Franklin High School – $7500
Final Congratulations to the Coaches of all the Winners!
Kent Siebold – Grant
Jacob Michaels – Franklin
Jonquil Vann – Roosevelt
Thor Esbensen – Ida B. Wells
Eric Dettman – Lincoln
Special Thanks to the Denny Sullivan Scholarship Committee for their work to honor these student athletes and provide financial assistance!
- Butch Lumby
- Tom Haley
- John Bakkensen
- Shannon Sullivan