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 open mid-March will be accepted until May 17, 2026 11:59 p.m.
Patty Foell Scholarship - $10,000
$5000 (AYRF) + $5000 (ATCF)
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 9, 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).
Hawthorne Wesley Scholarship - $10,000
$5000 (AYRF) + $5000 (ATCF)
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.
2025 Patty Foell Scholarship Recipient
The Patty Foell Scholarship honors a woman who was well-known among Atlanta runners as a member of the Atlanta Track Club’s Competitive Team. The 2025 Patty Foell Scholarship was awarded to Lauren Skeens of Northview High School, who has committed to the University of Georgia.
• Primary Events: Distance (Cross Country, 1600m, 3200m)
• Captain of Cross Country and Track & Field Teams
• Member of the National Honor Society
• Member of Georgia HOSA (Future Health Professionals)
• Recipient of the Zell Miller Grant
2025 Hawthorne Wesley Scholarship Recipient
The Hawthorne Wesley 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. The 2025 Hawthorne Wesley Scholarship was awarded to Simeon Adams of Drew Charter School, who has committed to the University of Pennsylvania.
• Primary Events: Sprints (100m, 200m, 4×100 Relay)
• Governor’s Honor Society Nominee
• National Beta Club
• Math Honor Society Member
• CEO of a clothing business