Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation Awards Two College Scholarships for its 2nd Annual Chris Payer Honorary Sports Medicine Scholarship
The Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation announces the winners of the 2021 Chris Payer Honorary Sports Medicine Scholarship. One Orange County and one Seminole County student will each receive a $2,500 scholarship to pursue a career in the field of sports medicine. The two recipients are:
- Asha Harris, a 2021 graduate of Winter Park High School, will attend FAU starting this fall.
- Natalie Green, a 2021 graduate of Lake Mary Preparatory School, will attend LSU during the 2021-2022 school year.
“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,” said Randy S. Schwartzberg, M.D., Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation President. “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 established to honor local attorney Chris Payer, a Foundation board member who tragically passed away in 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.”
Natalie Green spoke about what receiving the scholarship means to her. She said, “First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents for always believing in me and supporting me in everything I do. Without them, none of this would be possible and I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. I would also like to thank my teacher and LMP’s Head Athletic Trainer, Ms. Bonnie Brewer. She inspired me to become an athletic trainer myself and encouraged me to apply for this scholarship. This award means a lot to me and it will make my dream more attainable, starting with my college tuition at LSU. Finally, thank you to Dr. Randy Schwartzberg and everyone at Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation for this incredible opportunity!”
Asha Harris also shared her thoughts about receiving the scholarship. She said, “Being awarded this scholarship means that the people who are usually overlooked are finally getting their chance to be recognized.”
Natalie Green, a 2021 graduate of Lake Mary Preparatory School, will attend LSU during the 2021-2022 school year.
Asha Harris, a 2021 graduate of Winter Park High School, will attend FAU starting this fall.
The Chris Payer Honorary Sports Medicine Scholarship, created by the Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation, is awarded annually to local graduating seniors who have participated in their school’s student athletic training aid program and have declared a college major in the field of sports medicine. Visit OrlandoOrtho.com/Foundation for more information about the foundation and its various programs.
