Kristin Carpenter, volleyball standout at Hanover High, and Ben DeJarnette, cross country and track star for Atlee, win top Times-Dispatch/Sports Backers honors and $7,500 scholarships.

Kristin Carpenter of Hanover High School and Ben DeJarnette of Atlee High School are the 2009 Times-Dispatch/Sports Backers Scholar-Athletes of the Year. They were chosen from 10 girls and 10 boys finalists and will receive $7,500 scholarships. Carpenter was a volleyball standout. DeJarnette starred in cross country and distance races in indoor and outdoor track.

Scholar-athlete award finalists (in alphabetical order) BOYS
Matthew Armentrout, Deep Run Nick Austin, James River Will Bates, Thomas Dale Ben DeJarnette, Atlee Stuart Ferguson, Collegiate Jackson Freeman, St. Christopher’s Michael Green, Thomas Dale Chris Smith, Clover Hill Alec Ward, Douglas Freeman Christopher Wheeler, Highland Springs GIRLS
Kristin Carpenter, Hanover Emma DeJarnette, Atlee Michelle Foley, Mills Godwin Paige Johnston, Midlothian Jenna Moye, Cosby Madison Parrish, Thomas Dale Susannah Piersol, Maggie Walker GS Julie Robertson, Thomas Dale Carter Stephens, Collegiate Jenna Taylor, James River

Choosing the 10 girls and 10 boys finalists for The Richmond Times-Dispatch /Sports Backers Scholar-Athlete of the Year award taxes the selection committee every year. This year was even more difficult considering the number of students who ranked No. 1 or No. 2 or in the top 10 in their class and the number of athletes sporting national and state caliber credentials.