Teddy Beaver of Skyview and David Kailea of Evergreen were the top picks for their character, academic excellence, and their football skills

The 2021 football season might have ended a long time ago, but it is always scholarship season.

As the Class of 2022 graduates this month, the Clark County chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame has announced the winners of its scholar-athlete awards.

Teddy Beaver of Skyview and David Kailea of Evergreen are the first-place winners. They were named the best of the best of the nominees from Southwest Washington high school football programs, a process that takes into account academic excellence, community service, and football skills.

Kailea, a lineman, maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 for his high school career, including 3.6 in his final football season. He is a three-year leadership student who is an active member of the Athletic Committee, promoting Evergreen students to attend as many sporting events as possible to spread school spirit. He also is a mentor to younger students.

“It’s an honor to be selected No. 1,” Kailea said. “I put in a lot of hard work. It means a lot to be recognized for all that I’ve done.”

Beaver, a receiver and defensive back, is graduating with a 3.96 grade-point average from Skyview and is scheduled to leave for West Point two weeks later. He was accepted to the United States Military Academy earlier this year.

“It’s a great honor. Truly humbling,” Beaver said of the NFF recognition. “There is a ton of talent and a lot of great individuals throughout the county.”

They both received scholarships worth $1,500.

Lance Stuck of Seton Catholic and Jairus Phillips of Camas tied for second place in the backs category. They each received $750.

Nic Hutchinson of Columbia River finished second in the lineman category. He received $1,000. Jurell McDade of Mountain View was third. He received $500.

Scott Rice was named the chapter’s coach of the year. Rice led Ridgefield to the Class 2A state quarterfinals. The Spudders won their first 11 games of the season.

Kailea said football helped make him a better person, as well as a leader on and off the field.

The key to community service, he said, is not just to do the big events that get a lot of attention. But to do the right thing in the hallways at school, every day. 

“Help everyone, no matter who it is, no matter what the situation is, just help out anyone you can,” he said of his daily philosophy. “Even doing the little things can help out.”

Christian Swain, Evergreen’s football coach, said Kailea is “loved by students and faculty” at Evergreen.

“David truly bleeds green and has set a great example of demonstrating amazing school spirit with high character,” Swain said.

Kailea said he has loved representing his football program and the school.

“Nothing better than the E here,” he said. “Evergreen football is the best team I’ve ever been around.”

Beaver shares a similar love to Skyview. He and his family moved to Vancouver from Georgia when he was in middle school. When he entered high school, the Skyview community welcomed him with open arms. The programs offered by the Associated Student Body allowed him to give back.

“It really felt like a family. I’ve met a lot of people who I’ll be friends with the rest of my life, who helped push me to be the best version of myself,” Beaver said. “I really try to do everything I can to make sure this school is the best place it can be when I’m not walking through it anymore. I’m really thankful for Skyview.”  

He said being part of the football program allowed him to hone his skills as a leader. 

He also will continue his commitment to service in the service.

“I’m proud to be an American. I’m proud of what this country stands for. A lot of people in this world don’t have the same opportunities that we have as Americans. I’m really called toward that,” Beaver said. “I feel there is a calling to defend that, fight for that. I feel really blessed to be an American.”

Stuck was considered the “dad” of the young Seton Catholic football program, and the quintessential student-athlete for the Cougars.

Phillips is “the example of how to do everything right on and off the field,” Camas coach Jack Hathaway said.

Hutchinson was on the Columbia River leadership council for two years. He never missed a weight training session in his four years with the football program, an example of the type of leader he has been at River.

McDade is “the heart and soul of our football program,” Mountain View coach Adam Mathieson said. “He is constantly reinforcing program standards for our younger players.”

The Clark County chapter of the NFF is accustomed to holding an annual banquet to shine a spotlight on all nominees. The 2021 and 2022 banquets were called off due to the government’s response to the pandemic. 

Donations to the non-profit organization have slowed, as well, during the pandemic. Board members with the local chapter are in the process of determining the future of the scholarship program.

Note: Reporter Paul Valencia is a member of the board for the Clark County chapter of the National Football Foundation.