The Tewaaraton Foundation has announced the recipients of the 16th annual Tewaaraton Native American Scholarships, presented by USA Lacrosse. Awarded to male and female students each year, the scholarship honors high school students of Haudenosaunee heritage who exemplify high character, leadership, and academics both on and off the lacrosse field. Applicants are asked to submit an essay describing what the sport of lacrosse means to them as Native American student-athletes and members of their community, as well as two letters of recommendation and a high school transcript.

Savannah Swamp, Bear Clan, Akwesasne Mohawk Nation

Savannah attends Salmon River Central School, maintains a 4.0 GPA, is a National Honor Society member, and is the peer lead for Salmon River's Suicide Prevention Program. Savannah is a three-sport varsity competitor in volleyball, basketball and lacrosse. Savannah will attend the University of Albany and is considering playing lacrosse.

Crayton Cree, Bear Clan, Akwesasne Mohawk Nation

Crayton attends Salmon River Central School and maintains a 4.0 GPA and has won gold and silver medals in lacrosse and hockey. Crayton began playing lacrosse around age 3 or 4 and currently plays with the Jr. B Indians. His family's lacrosse tradition began with his great grandparents. Crayton is an active member of the Akwesasne Storm and Attack Lacrosse Programs, helping young people develop their skills and mentoring them. Crayton will attend SUNY Potsdam and play varsity lacrosse. He will study education and hopes to continue coaching children in lacrosse.

"It's a tremendous honor to reward these outstanding student-athletes for their exceptional accomplishments," said Marc Riccio, president and CEO of USA Lacrosse. "We are proud to partner with the Tewaaraton Foundation in recognizing the best and brightest young players from the Native American community."

Crayton Cree, son of Carlene and Craig Cree and recipient of the 2022 Tewaaraton Foundation Native American Scholarship.

An 11-year commitment by USA Lacrosse has supported the scholarship program, which annually recognizes two outstanding Native American high school seniors for academic achievement and lacrosse excellence. One of the primary goals of the scholarship program is to honor the sport's Native American roots. Students must be members of the Haudenosaunee community, enrolled in a secondary school and represent the highest ideals of sportsmanship to be eligible for this scholarship. Each scholarship recipient is awarded $10,000 for education - $5,000 for each of their first and second years in college.