Kip Tupa had something to be extra grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday. The Blair High School senior was awarded the 2021 Thursday Night Lights Scholar-Athlete of the Year on November 24. Barry Mayfield, business manager at the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), presented Tupa with honor, which carries a $3,000 scholarship earmarked for future educational needs.
“To give money to a young kid to start a bright new future is fulfilling,” said Mayfield.
Blair High School football coach Bryan Soukup describes Tupa as “a great young man” and a team player who is also a person of character.
The scholarship is a game changer for Tupa. “To actually win it means a lot to me,” he said. “I won’t have to worry about student loans and all of that.”
Tupa’s athletic prowess is not limited to the football field. He is also a valuable member of Blair High School’s varsity basketball and soccer teams.
The Thursday Night Lights Scholar-Athlete scholarship program is a joint venture between Building Omaha and FOX42KPTM. Teachers and principals in metro area schools nominate standout student-athletes, and each week in autumn two of these nominees are recognized as Scholar-Athletes of the Week and featured in the weekly Thursday Night Light spot. From this pool of worthy candidates, one outstanding student is awarded Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
This year Thursday Night Lights broke with tradition to proudly recognize 13 students for their academic and athletic achievements and reward their efforts. In addition to Tupa being named the 2021 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, 13 other deserving students were awarded scholarships in the amount of $420 each.
Congratulations to all the stellar scholar-athletes honored during the 2021 Thursday Night Lights program. You have made your families, schools, and community proud. Click here to watch the video of Kip being presented with his scholarship check.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 22, along with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), forms Building Omaha, a partnership that powers our city.
