The First Annual Chris Payer Honorary Sports Medicine Scholarship has been awarded to two Orlando students in pursuit of a degree in sports medicine. Lexi Bailey, a recent graduate of Lake Mary High School, and Jackson Andraski, a recent Lake Nona grad, both accepted the scholarship during a virtual news conference on Tuesday, June 16.
The $2,500 scholarships were awarded by Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation president Randy S. Schwartzberg, M.D., as the first of its kind for the foundation.
Dr. Schwartzberg stated during the press conference, “We’re excited and humbled to have the opportunity to help these future healthcare professionals and present two outstanding local students with the Chris Payer Honorary Sports Medicine Scholarship.” He continued, “We know the students will put the scholarships to good use as they pursue their passion to help athletes for years to come.”
The scholarship was set up to honor the late attorney Chris Payer, a board member of the foundation who tragically passed away in early 2019. Payer was an ardent supporter of Central Florida youth athletics and education.
“Chris Payer was a great family man who loved sports and education,” said Dr. Schwartzberg. “His values really embody what we’re all about here, and this scholarship honors his legacy.”
The two recipients spoke out about what receiving the scholarship meant to them. Bailey made a statement about the scholarship: “With it honoring Chris Payer and his legacy, I think it’s a beautiful thing to be able to do this in his name and his remembrance. I am excited to embody the award and to show how I can carry it out.”
Andraski also shared his thoughts about receiving the scholarship. He said, “I feel like it’s a really big honor to be part of the first group to be selected for this scholarship. I think it, being for Mr. Payer and to represent his family, is a big honor for me and my family to be able to impact and keep moving on with his legacy. I will represent him and his family and Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation in the best way that I can moving forward with my career, college, and my education.”
Nonahood News sends a big congratulations to Bailey, who plans to attend the University of Central Florida in the upcoming school year, and to Andraski, who will be attending the University of Florida – both in pursuit of Sports Medicine degrees right here in Central Florida.
The Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation plans to make the Chris Payer Honorary Sports Medicine Scholarship an annual scholarship. Visit www.orlandoortho.com/foundation for more information about the foundation and its various programs.
Photos Courtesy of Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation
