2024/205 was a fantastic year for dozens of student athletes, but two who received extra recognition were Pioneer High School seniors Josephine Brant and Jack Cullison, who were awarded the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Dale Lackey Scholarship Award late last month, representing the Monticello Empire League.

They both then added to their trophy cabinet earlier this month when they received the school’s Scholar-Athletes of the Year award.

Earlier this month, to wrap up a fantastic year, Brant finished in 7th place in the state of California in the 50 freestyle race during the CIF State Swim Meet at the Clovis Olympic Swim Complex.

Cullison helped lead the Patriots baseball team to a share of the MEL title during the team’s debut season in a more competitive league. Along with a league championship, the Patriots qualified for the CIF SJS D4 playoffs and won the opening round game against Patterson 8-3.

Cullison hit .410, leading the team in home runs (4), RBI (20), and doubles (9), while coming in second in runs (19) and hits (25).