The 2010 Mike Weaver Award was presented on June 5 to Custis Donner, a member of the Major League Red Sox. All 10 nominees for the award, one from each Major League team, were recognized during a ceremony on the Major League Field by Bill Weaver, Mike's dad. Mike's mom Erin and his brother Dan were also present for the ceremony. Stephen Adams, Mike's friend, placed the Mike Weaver Cap on Custis, and his manager, David Foshee, talked about Custis' positive attitude and ever present smile. The nominees were selected at mid-season by each team's parents and the winner was selected by the Major League umpires after the end of the regular season. Custis will get an all expense paid trip to Atlanta for a Braves game, Six Flags, hotel and meals. The other nominees were Charles Stroud - Yankees, Blake Simmons- Royals, Tommy McCook - Orioles, Jacob Oates - A's, Jacob Brewer - Pirates, Alex Koplin - Dodgers, Clayton Montgomery - Giants, Nicholas DiPonzio - Reds, and Parker Faircloth - Astro's. Pictured on the Major League Field after the ceremony are Bill Weaver, Custis and his parents Bo and Kimbrough, Erin Weaver and Dan Weaver. For more information, go to

The 2010 George Jones Scholarship Award was presented on June 5 to Mack Hodges, this year's Stratford Academy valedictorian. Mack played on the Royals as a 12 year old, umpired at Vine Ingle for several years, and went on to an outstanding high school career, academically, athletically, and with extracurricular activities. Mack will use his $2000 award when he attends the University of Virginia this fall. We are proud of Mack and wish him well. Twila Jones, George's widow, and Linda Jones, his daughter, were joined us for the presentation. Pictured on the Major League Field after the ceremony are Mack and his parents, Leslie and Bill Hodges.