College Scholarships

Atlanta Youth Running Foundation and Atlanta Track Club Foundation are pleased to collaborate on two $10,000 college scholarship opportunities for high school cross country and/or track and field student-athletes that compete in the metro Atlanta area. Winners are invited to and announced at the Powerade All-Metro Track & Field Banquet in June each year.

Student-Athletes are eligible to apply if they live in the All-Metro Area and are in good standing with their school. The All-Metro area is defined as counties that touch Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb, and Clayton counties which lie within the perimeter of Atlanta. Counties are as follows: Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, Rockdale and Spaulding.

Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2025 11:59 p.m.

Patty Foell Scholarship - $10,000

$5000 (AYRF)+$5000 (Atlanta Track Club)

The Patty Foell college scholarship is awarded annually to a female high school graduating senior cross country and/or track and field student-athlete in the metro Atlanta area. This scholarship is in honor of Patty Foell who was well-known among Atlanta runners as a member of the Atlanta Track Club’s Competitive Team & frequent winner of local races.

Patty was very devoted and committed to her family and a large circle of friends. Widely known as one of the area’s most talented runners, Patty was frequently among the top finishers in local races, with over 15 marathons to her credit. Patty set personal records for 10 miles as well as the marathon just prior to her passing. A graduate of the University of Delaware, Patty’s profession was as a Financial Analyst for Macy’s, Inc. On Wednesday, November 9th, 2005 Patty, aged 43, passed away suddenly while pursuing her running passion. She left a loving husband and her 2 children Michael and Megan (8 and 4 years old at the time). 

Patty Foell

Hawthorne Wesley Scholarship - $10,000

$5000 (AYRF)+$5000 (Atlanta Track Club)

The Hawthorne Wesley college scholarship is awarded annually to a male high school graduating senior cross country and/or track and field student-athlete in the metro Atlanta area. The scholarship is named after Hawthorne Wesley, one of the founding members of Atlanta Track Club, and honors his dedication to the sport for 50+ years.

From a young age, Wesley was an avid participant of North Atlanta (North Fulton at the time) sports. From his freshman to senior year, he ran for the cross country team, achieving an impressive time of about 10 minutes and thirty seconds over the span of 2.3 miles. Wesley’s running career continued as he competed for Auburn University. Wesley continued running after college, becoming a part of the Atlanta Striders. Eventually, he had a massive impact on the Atlanta Track Club as an organizer and announcer. 

-from The Warrior Wire of North Atlanta High School

Hawthorne Wesley
Sydney Nettles
Hawthorne Wesley

2024 Patty Foell Scholarship Recipient

Sydney Nettles of Campbell High School was awarded the Patty Foell Scholarship ($10,000) from Atlanta Youth Running Foundation & Atlanta Track Club Foundation.

Sydney is committed to Rutgers University. Her achievements include:

– Primary Event: Hurdles
– 4.6 GPA
– College Board National African-American Recognition Award
– First Chair Cellist
– National Honor Society

2024 Hawthorne Wesley Scholarship Recipient

Teddy Meredith of North Atlanta High School was awarded the Hawthorne Wesley Scholarship ($10,000) from Atlanta Youth Running Foundation & Atlanta Track Club Foundation.

Teddy will attend Washington & Lee University. His achievements include:

– Primary Event: Distance
– 4.2 GPA
– Captain – Cross Country
– Swim & Track Team
– Co-Founder Boys Summer Camp