The 'Spark' Scholarship

Justin Sparks served as an Athletic Training Student Aide and graduated in 2018. He is remembered by everyone who knew him for his remarkable passion, outstanding work ethic, and genuine care for others. Justin truly embodied the mission shared by many of our athletic training student aides—to “help others”—and he did so in a way uniquely his own.

In the summer of 2025, Justin passed away due to complications from an infection that affected his childhood heart defect. His loss was deeply felt across our campus, where he left an everlasting “Spark” on many athletic programs. Justin was an integral part of the Boys Basketball team, and anyone—players or coaches—would tell you that he was far more than a typical student aide. He was a pivotal member of the team. His impact was recognized at the end of that season when he received the “Heart of an Eagle Award,” becoming the only non-athlete in the history of the boys’ basketball program to earn this honor. Within the Sports Medicine Justin Sparks was an enthusiastic leader who impact and taught many during his four year career. Justin graduated as a TSATA Academic All State Recipient, Dawson Sports Medicine 2018 Program Scholarship Recipient, a 2018 Mark Salter Memorial Quiz Bowl Champion Team member, 2017-2018 Sports Medicine Program MVP, and  3rd Overall in All Time Point Leaderboard at graduation that currently resides in 6th place all time.

We encourage our students to make a meaningful impact on those around them—whether by being a supportive listener, assisting with rehabilitation, cheering on teammates during games, or even stepping in during moments that can save a life. We strive to “Spark” growth, healing, dedication, and teamwork in all areas of their lives. In Justin’s memory, we have created the 'Spark' Scholarship to honor one of our graduating Student Aides. Voted on by current Dawson High School Coaching Staff and Dawson Sports Medicine Staff. 

Justin Sparks went on to impact many people of all ages with work with Camp for All, and Camp Pinnacle after graduating from University of North Texas, his full Obituary is linked here. 

'Spark' Scholarship Requirements:

·         Must be a graduating senior

·         Must have been a student athletic training aide at Dawson High School for 4 semesters

·         Must plan on attending a higher education system in the Fall after graduation

·         Must have completed all of the required skill assessments for the graduating academic year