Recognizing Student Athletes
Each year, the Donald Asmonga Foundation presents the Mighty Leopards Awards.
For 2024, $2,500 scholarships will be given to outstanding male and female student athletes at Belle Vernon Area High School. The Awards are announced at the BVA Athletic Banquet held each spring.
Eligibility for the Mighty Leopards Award
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a graduating senior at Belle Vernon Area High School;
Have participated in one or more recognized interscholastic athletic association sports (not club);
Possess a favorable grade point average (3.0 or above is preferred but not required); and
Contribute to the community through some type of service (school, church, scouts, etc.).
To apply for the award, each student must:
Complete the Application Form, including academic engagement, membership in the community, and enrollment or intention to enroll in an institution of higher learning;
Provide a short essay (no more than 300 words) describing your unique athletic ability and passion for sports. Make it personal: describe how sports have impacted you;
Provide at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, and/or other community member; and Submit the completed Application Form along with the essay and letter(s) of recommendation by March 31, 2024.
Celebrating BVA Athletes
Donald Asmonga was Belle Vernon’s first basketball and baseball coach. His crowning achievement came in 1978 when the Leopards won the WPIAL championship.
In 1967, his Belle Vernon baseball team won a WPIAL sectional championship. He retired from coaching in 1988, but followed and supported BVA sports until his death in 2014.
Since 2015, the Donald Asmonga Foundation has awarded $62,000 in scholarships.
