The Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award presented by Dr Pepper

Geographic Scope: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), Charlotte, North Carolina

Award Type: Scholarship with trophy and recognition

Eligibility:

• Senior football player from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS)
• Must display talent on the field
• Must demonstrate passion for helping their community
• Equal weight placed on athletic achievement and community impact

Award Includes:

• $10,000 scholarship
• Bronze bust trophy (displayed at winner's school for one year)
• Recognition at the Duke's Mayo Bowl

Background

Named after Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick of Myers Park High School, who in 1965 made the brave decision to transfer from Second Ward High School to play for the predominantly white Myers Park Mustangs. Kirkpatrick accumulated 19 touchdowns and All-American honors while facing significant hostility and racism. He was nominated for the Carolina's all-star game (Shrine Bowl) but snubbed due to the game not being desegregated at that time. This led to a civil rights lawsuit filed by legendary civil rights lawyer Julius Chambers, resulting in the desegregation of the Shrine Bowl. Kirkpatrick later played at Purdue and settled in Oregon, where he worked as an educator and continued to advocate for equal rights.

Award Winners

• 2021: Jeremiah Burch Jr., Olympic High School
• 2022: Michael JJ Coleman, Butler High School
• 2023: Phillip Harris, Butler High School
• 2024: Cameron Cyr, Hough High School
• 2025: Dallas Brannon, Independence High School

Selection Process

Each fall, the 19 public high schools of CMS select semi-finalists to represent their school on the field at the Duke's Mayo Bowl. A panel of representatives from CSF, CMS, and the community selects one winner from the nominees. The selection criteria emphasize recognizing individuals who match the character and passion of the award's namesake.

Contact Information

• General inquiries: info@charlottesports.org
• Media inquiries: miller@charlottesports.org
• Address: 4250 Congress St., Suite 900, Charlotte, NC 28209
• Phone: (704) 644-4047

Partner

• Presented by: Dr Pepper (Dr Pepper has provided over $20 million in tuition assistance over the last 30 years)