FRISCO, Texas — Thirty-two student-athletes and coaches from across North Texas will be honored Monday evening at the 2026 North Texas Positive Athlete Awards Experience, held at the Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco.
The event caps the 2025-26 program year for Positive Athlete, a national organization that recognizes high-character student-athletes who demonstrate leadership, resilience, service, and sportsmanship. Honorees were selected from more than 1,000 nominations submitted by coaches, principals, athletic directors, teachers, parents, and community members representing 307 public and private high schools and 37 sports across the region.
"These student-athletes and coaches represent what youth sports are truly about," said Jeremy Lukas of Positive Athlete. "Their stories extend far beyond wins and statistics. They are leaders, encouragers, teammates, and role models who positively impact their schools, families, and communities every day."
Among this year's honorees are Juliet Amparan and Emmett Olsen, both of whom previously received care through Scottish Rite for Children, creating a full-circle connection between their personal medical journeys and the evening's celebration. Frisco Emerson High School is represented by student-athlete John Pacheco, recognized for soccer and football, and coach Aaron Wessner, named Positive Athlete Coach of the Year for soccer.
