Football & Community Awards

The Eugene D. Franklin Foundation proudly established the Football Awards Program in 2024 to recognize, honor, and elevate outstanding student-athletes who exemplify excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.

These prestigious awards are presented exclusively to high school athletes in:

Sebastian and Crawford Counties, Arkansas

Washington and Allegheny Counties, Maryland

The Foundation recognizes excellence in the following football categories:

• Offensive Player of the Year
• Defensive Player of the Year
• Offensive Lineman of the Year
• Special Teams Player of the Year
• Academic Excellence Award
• River Valley Most Valuable Player (Arkansas – Top Overall Honor)
• Maryland Most Valuable Player (Top Overall Honor)

The River Valley MVP and Maryland MVP represent the highest football honors awarded by the Foundation in their respective regions.
Each award celebrates leadership, character, discipline, work ethic, sportsmanship, and impact both on and off field and in the classroom. 

Beginning in 2026, the Foundation will further expand its commitment to recognizing elite student-athletes by selecting:
Male Athlete of the Year
Female Athlete of the Year

To qualify for Athlete of the Year honors, student-athletes must:
Compete in at least two (2) sports
Demonstrate excellence across multiple athletic disciplines
Maintain strong academic standing
Exhibit outstanding character and leadership.

This distinction reflects the Foundation’s belief in developing well-rounded, multi-sport student-athletes who represent the highest standards of dedication and achievement.
Through these awards, The Eugene D. Franklin Foundation remains committed to inspiring greatness, rewarding excellence, and uplifting communities across Arkansas and Maryland

The Eugene D. Franklin Foundation recognizes exceptional leadership and service through its Community Awards program.

• Business Men and Women of the Year (4 Awards): Honors entrepreneurs and business leaders who excel in their industries while actively giving back to their communities.

• Victor Ramirez Valor of Freedom Award: Recognizes individuals who have served with honor in the Armed Forces, law enforcement, or as first responders.

• Mary E. Bowie Award (Highest Honor): Presented to a man or woman who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to community service through government leadership, activism, or civic involvement.

These awards celebrate excellence, sacrifice, and lasting community impact.