Frankton’s Mekena Alexander, pictured with Bonny Clark of the Anderson Noon Exchange Club, was the recipient of the Red Haven Memorial Award during the 55th annual luncheon held last week at The Edge.

The award recognizes nominees from each of the Madison County high schools who have won at least one varsity letter in an IHSSA-sponsored sport, maintain excellent grades, demonstrates leadership in their school and community, and shows good citizenship in their community throughout their high school career.

The award is named after Orville “Red” Haven, who worked as a sports editor for the Herald Bulletin and served as the president of the Noon Exchange Club from 1958 to 1969. Haven was known his devotion to high school athletes, honoring their accomplishments in their fields of play, as well as the classroom and in the community.

Frankton’s Makena Alexander is the daughter of Levi and Heather Alexander. She has earned 11 varsity letters in volleyball and softball, has served as a manager for the wrestling team, and ranks second in her class.

Alexander is a National Honor Society officer, and a member of the National Historical Scholars Society. In 2022, she set the Frankton Eagles record for most home runs at 20.

Alexander received academic and athletic scholarships from Butler University, where she plans to pursue a degree in health sciences and minor in chemistry.

Representing Elwood at the annual Red Haven Awards Luncheon was Jayden Reese, the son of JR and Julie Reese. Reese has earned 15 varsity letters in basketball, track, cross country, wrestling, golf, and tennis. He ranks in the top ten percent of the Class of 2023, out of 130 students.

Reese is a member of the National Honor Society, and qualified for semi state in cross country and wrestling. He also advanced to the regional in track, and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the county championships in 2021.

Representing Alexandria- Monroe High School was Lilly Thomas. Deannaya Haseman represented Lapel High School and Abigail Etchison represented Liberty Christian. Payton Sargent represented Anderson, Kayden Mondragon represented Anderson Prep, and Madelyn Heineman represented Pendleton Heights.