Kennedale running back Kenaj Washington wins Davey O’Brien Award
Kennedale senior Kenaj Washington was named the winner of the 36th annual Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship Award on Tuesday at the foundation’s annual luncheon at the Fort Worth Club.
He will also be honored at the 45th annual Davey O’Brien Awards dinner at the Fort Worth Club on Feb. 21 alongside National Quarterback award winner Bryce Young from Alabama.
Washington, who ranks fifth out of 223 students in his class at Kennedale, receives a $30,000 scholarship, which is given to a student-athlete in North Texas that exemplifies scholastic achievement, community service, character, leadership and varsity sports participation.
“Kenaj is a truly impressive individual and we are honored to welcome him to the Davey O’Brien foundation family,” said David O’Brien Jr., the chairman of the high school scholarship selection committee. “Our past recipients have created a strong legacy and we are excited to watch him follow in their footsteps.”
Some of Washington’s other academic accomplishments include scoring in the 99th percentile on the SAT and garnering the College Board National African American Recognition.
Hailey Tucker (Haltom), Luke Moore (Arlington Grace Prep), Tyler Nguyen (Byron Nelson) and Leena Mehendale (Dallas Hockaday) were the other four finalists, all of whom will receive $2,500 scholarships.
Washington is also the senior class president at Kennedale and received the school’s Principal Award in 2021. He’s a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and UIL Academic team.
On the field, Washington has earned letters in football, track and powerlifting, where he was the regional champ last season and finished eighth at the UIL state championships.
In the fall, Washington was one of the Kennedale Wildcats’ team captains and he was a first-team all-district running back, averaging seven yards per carry.
Among his community activities, Washington read to children at the Lake Arlington Public Library and he volunteers with Mission Arlington.
This story was originally published January 18, 2022 at 5:04 PM.
