Anniston, AL — Two standout student-athletes from East Alabama have been selected as this year’s recipients of the Suzy Spiceland Michelson Memorial Scholarship, an annual award presented by the Anniston Runners Club to honor excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
Emerson Maniscalco of Oxford High School and Anna Watwood of Ohatchee High School have each been awarded an $800 scholarship, recognizing their commitment to both their education and the sports of cross-country and track & field.
The scholarship, first established in 2017, commemorates Suzy Spiceland Michelson, a beloved librarian at Constantine Elementary School and a passionate marathon runner who passed away in 2016. The Anniston Runners Club, of which Michelson was a dedicated member, created the scholarship to benefit local graduating seniors who reflect her values of perseverance, academic diligence, and community spirit.
This year, the scholarship was made possible not only by the Anniston Runners Club but also with contributions from the Treadhoofalon event at Camp McClellan Horse Trails and the Stringer Group, both of which helped increase the available funding.
Emerson Maniscalco has been a key member of the Oxford High varsity cross-country and track & field teams, serving as team captain in both sports for several years. Beyond athletics, she contributes to her community through her involvement with the Oxford High School Ambassadors program and volunteer service with the Youth Disciples of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Maniscalco plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she will continue competing in track while studying political science, English, and pre-law.
Anna Watwood has also made her mark at Ohatchee High School, balancing academics and athletics with dedication. A member of the cross-country and track teams, Watwood has pursued dual enrollment courses and served as president of the school’s National Honor Society during her senior year. She is active with Model City CrossFit and participates in career-readiness programs. Her educational path will begin at Gadsden State Community College, and she plans to transfer to Jacksonville State University to pursue a career in nursing.
The Anniston Runners Club remains committed to Suzy Spiceland Michelson’s legacy through this scholarship. According to the club’s mission statement, “Our vision is to promote, foster and encourage a positive running culture among our youth… and to support aspiring athletes and nurture their sporting potential.”
Through the Suzy Spiceland Michelson Memorial Scholarship, the Anniston Runners Club continues to uplift young athletes who embody a spirit of excellence on the track, in the classroom, and in their communities.
