BGO
Night of Champions

The Bluegrass Orthopaedics Foundation, a non-profit organization, is proud to sponsor the 7th Annual BGO Night of Champions. This year's event will take place on Tuesday May 2nd, 2023 at the Marriott - Griffin Gate beginning at 6:30PM.

The evening is a celebratory event for those individuals not always recognized with awards or accolades. The BGO Champion Scholarship will be given to two very deserving high school student-athletes from the central Kentucky area - one male and one female. This scholarship is unique as it honors student-athletes at the high school level who have distinguished themselves by overcoming adversity or injury, and returned and excelled beyond expectations in their respective sport(s). The award is accompanied with a $2,500 scholarship per individual.

The BGO Achievement Scholarships are given to central Kentucky high school student-athletes who have distinguished themselves in the classroom, in their community, on the playing field/court, and have been high achievers in every aspect of their life. Each high school from bluegrass area may nominate student-athletes for this award. The award is accompanied with a $500 scholarship per individual.

2023 Nomination
Forms

BGO Champion
Nomination Form BGO Achievement
Nomination Form

2023 Keynote Speaker:
Melvin Adams

Melvin Adams has been an NCAA All-American basketball player, professional basketball competitor and member of the world famous Harlem Globetrotter. He is currently a communicator and entertainer. His energetic and engaging presentation style make him a favorite for events of all kinds.

Melvin has had the privilege of speaking to over 3,000,000 youth through school assemblies, basketball clinics/camps and other events. In addition to speaking responsibilities, he is also frequently engaged in interviews and guest appearances in various forms of media. Melvin's passion for reaching America's youth has provided countless opportunities to speak, perform and share with groups.

Melvin was born in 1971 and grew up in the ghetto of Houston, Texas. He was challenged early in life with extremely negative circumstances; however, he dreamed of playing professional basketball. At the age of 13, his father died. With the consistent pressure of financial burdens and surrounded by hopeless situations, Melvin turned to sports where hard work and endless practices kept him from trouble. During these years, he led the district in assists and steals, and averaged 16 points per game for the Eisenhower High School's Eagles.

Melvin graduated from San Jose Christian College where he was a two-time NCAA III All-American basketball player. He remains the all-time scoring, assists and steals leader in the Warrior's history. After college, Melvin continued to focus on basketball and was given the opportunity to play professional basketball. He later joined the Harlem Globetrotters and was named Mr. Globetrotter numerous times. The award is presented yearly to the teammate that most exemplifies the excitement and energy associated with the Harlem Globetrotters.

On March 17, 2000 Melvin Adams retired from the Harlem Globetrotters to fulfill a new dream - to challenge individuals to personal success through focus, work and determination. Today, he is privileged to speak before student and adult audiences sharing his personal story and inspiring others to fulfill their dreams.

Previous Champion Scholarship
Recipients

2022 Female Champion Winner
Keaton Hall, Model Laboratory School

2022 Male Champion Winner
Connor Padgett, Boyle County High School

2021 Female Champion Winner
Shelby Cothron, Pulaski County High School

2021 Male Champion Winner
Remi Forlevil, Danville High School

2020 Female Champion Winner
Logan Thomas, Western Hills High School

2020 Male Champion Winner
Jace Bowling, South Laurel High School

2019 Female Champion Winner
Audrey Rawls, Dunbar HS

2019 Male Champion Winner
Vaughn Hall, Lexington Catholic HS

2018 Female Champion Winner
Edie Meyer, West Jessamine High School

2018 Male Champion Winner
Logan Nieves, Lexington Christian Academy

2017 Female Champion Winner
Summer Coleman, West Jessamine High School

2017 Male Champion Winner
Adam Bender, Woodford County High School

a man wearing a suit and tie smiling at the camera

2023 Nomination
Forms

BGO Champion
Nomination Form BGO Achievement
Nomination Form

The BGO
Champion Scholarships

The BGO Champion Scholarship will be given to two very deserving high school student-athletes from the central Kentucky area - one male and one female. This award is unique as it honors student-athletes at the high school level who have distinguished themselves by overcoming adversity or injury, and returned and excelled beyond expectations in their respective sport(s). The award is accompanied with a $2,500 scholarship per individual.

BGO Champion
Nomination Form