SEAHOLM: Duo among honored MHSAA athletes

Johnson-Sears, Gifford recognized as Scholar-Athlete award recipients 

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. —The atmosphere at Seaholm High School remains charged with enthusiasm as two outstanding student-athletes have recently garnered state recognition. Grace Johnson-Sears and Ella Gifford have been honored as recipients of the 2025 Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Awards, an accolade given by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).

The pair of Seaholm stars will each receive a $2,000 scholarship and will be spotlighted at the boys basketball state finals at Michigan State University's Breslin Student Events Center on March 15.

Gifford's high school journey reads like a highlight reel of athletic prowess and academic excellence. As a freshman, she helped propel Seaholm's swim team to a state championship. Her versatility shines through her involvement in basketball and water polo, where she's garnered all-league and all-state honors, respectively. Off the field, Gifford's commitment to excellence extends to her role as an AP Scholar and member of the National Honor Society.

Johnson-Sears, meanwhile, has left her mark on both the track and in the classroom. A three-time league scholar-athlete in cross country and track & field, she's also captained both teams. Her academic accolades include being named an AP Scholar with honor. Beyond athletics and academics, Johnson-Sears' passion for music resonates through her involvement in various bands and her leadership role in the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony.

Seaholm Principal Michael Wicker couldn't contain his pride when speaking about the two standout students. 

"Grace and Ella embody the very best of what we strive for at Seaholm," Wicker said. "Their dedication to academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community involvement sets an inspiring example for all our students. We couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments and the bright futures that lie ahead for them."

This marks the second consecutive year a Seaholm student-athlete has received this honor, following in the footsteps of Katherine, who was recognized for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Scholar-Athlete award is no small feat. Applicants must maintain at least a 3.5 grade-point average, have earned a varsity letter in an MHSAA-sponsored sport, actively participate in school and community activities, and pen an essay on sportsmanship in educational athletics.

As Gifford prepares to study business administration at the University of Michigan and Johnson-Sears remains undecided on her next chapter, they stand among 32 student-athletes across all school classifications who will receive this award. Applicants were judged by a 65-member committee made up of school coaches, counselors, faculty members, administrators and board members from MHSAA member schools.