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James Robinson Post-Secondary Scholarship

The life of James Robinson was dedicated to sports on multiple levels and avenues. As a youth coach in his community, he was beloved by his players and parents. As an eight-time IHSAA State Finals official, across three sports, James was respected and a mentor to many. As a member of the first all-African American crew to officiate a Power 5 football game, James was a trailblazer. 

Started in 2024 by the friends, family, and colleagues of this 30+ year champion and advocate for the importance and benefits of athletics, the James Robinson Post-Secondary Scholarship was founded to support a graduating senior who displays a holistic view and passion for athletics. 

James

Get Involved and Make a Difference with James Robinson

James was a pillar in his community and the sports world, receiving national recognition when he was featured on the cover of REFEREE Magazine in 2012. As a member of multiple national and inter-state officiating associations, including the Big Ten Conference, NCAA, and NFL, James was admired as a fair and precise official dedicated to leading as an example to get involved and create opportunities for others.

His national recognition did not diminish his communal and developmental ideals, as he served as a leader in multiple local roles. James was known as a coach and fair baseball official for the youth in this hometown. Within Indiana, he mentored numerous young officials and was a constant advocate for positive change. He served on rules committees to enhance the quality and experience for student-athletes, coaches, fans, and other officials.

His passion for sports was not just a profession but a lifelong dedication. This scholarship continues James' legacy. 
 

The Awards

The selected James Robinson Post-Secondary Scholarship recipient will be honored and receive support at the IHSAA Foundation Impact Awards on Thursday, April 17th at Gridiron Hall. 

Scholarship Criteria

- Recipient must be involved in high school athletics in multiple aspects (e.g., athlete, official, team manager, statistician, broadcasting, etc.)

- Recipient must be interested in officiating athletic contests upon graduation from high school.

- Recipient must be a graduating senior or in his or her final year at an IHSAA member school.

- Recipient must be planning to attend post-secondary education (4-year college, 2-year college, trade/technical school) and demonstrate a financial need.

- Recipient must be nominated by their school’s Athletic Director or Principal.

- It is recommended that the student take and complete officiating curriculum through their school and receive a provisional officiating license.  

 

Application Process

Applications for the James Robinson Scholarship are available on the IHSAA portal website (www.myihsaa.net). The application will be accessible to member school principals and athletic directors. The member school is responsible for establishing the process by which its nominee is selected. A member school principal may nominate only one student-athlete per year and should submit the application to the IHSAA by February 14, 2025.

The school Principal or Athletic Director should initiate the nomination process. To nominate an athlete, click here to login and complete the application. After completing the form, the information will be electronically sent to the nominated student. Once the student completes their section, the form will be electronically returned to the Principal/Athletic Director for a final review and submission to the IHSAA. If you have any questions on this process, please contact IHSAA Foundation Director, Trip Lukemeyer, at tlukemeyer@ihsaa.org or 317-846-6601.

Meet Our Scholarship Recipients

2024-25 Recipient

Recipient to be Announced in March 2025. 

Get Involved and Make a Difference with James Robinson

Your donations from the form below will help build the James Robinson Post-Secondary Scholarship Endowment.