Charleston Students Named Scholar Athletes of the Week
Local student-athletes were honored for their academic and athletic excellence in the Friday Night Rivals program.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Scholarships
News 4 and The Thumbs Up Guys recognized Connor Stament of Stratford High School and Mason Topotek of West Ashley High School as Scholar Athletes of the Week. Both students are now eligible to compete for a $5,000 scholarship at the conclusion of the season.
Why it matters
The program highlights students who balance success in academics, athletics, and community service. These awards serve to encourage student development both in the classroom and on the field.
Connor Stament holds a 3.842 GPA, while Mason Topotek maintains a 5.066 GPA. During the 2026 season, Topotek also reached a milestone of 2,000 career volleyball assists.
The players
Connor Stament
He is a student at Stratford High School who maintains a 3.842 GPA.
Mason Topotek
He is a student at West Ashley High School who has earned multiple athletic honors and maintains a 5.066 GPA.
The details
Scholar athletes are selected weekly from schools participating in the Friday Night Rivals series to showcase their commitment to community and extracurricular achievement. Nominees are evaluated based on their performance across academic, athletic, and volunteer endeavors.
Timeline
2022: Mason Topotek received Most Improved Player recognition.
2024: Mason Topotek was honored with the Wildcat Award.
2025: Mason Topotek earned MVP and all-region player status.
2026 season: Mason Topotek achieved 2,000 career volleyball assists.
October 2026: Connor Stament and Mason Topotek were named scholar athletes.
Culture Shift
The recognition of student-athletes through the Friday Night Rivals program reflects a growing emphasis on holistic student development in local communities. This initiative underscores the societal trend of prioritizing academic excellence alongside traditional athletic achievement.
Students nominated for this award gain exposure to scholarship opportunities that can alleviate future college costs. Residents can look forward to continued community engagement through the ongoing Friday Night Rivals games.
The takeaway
These awards provide tangible financial support for students demonstrating high academic and athletic standards. Programs like this highlight the value of maintaining a rigorous study schedule alongside competitive sports commitments.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic support programs in the Charleston Scholarships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCIV.
