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The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Bridge Builder Excellence Award Top 3 Finalists
Greenville, SC — April 8, 2025 — The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) is proud to unveil the Top 3 Finalists for the prestigious 2025 Bridge Builder Excellence Award (BBEA), presented by The Spinx Company. This annual honor recognizes a high school football player in South Carolina who exemplifies excellence both on and off the field—demonstrating leadership in the classroom, community, and through athletic performance.
The Top 3 finalists will be formally recognized, and the overall winner announced, during the sold-out 12th Annual Enshrinement Ceremony at Hotel Hartness on April 17, 2025.
Award Selection Criteria:
• Football Excellence – 40%
• Academic Achievement (Minimum 3.2 Core GPA) – 30%
• Character, Citizenship, and Leadership – 30%
All 58 statewide nominees will receive a certificate of excellence and be recognized in the May 9, 2025 #BBEA25Day celebration. The winner will receive a scholarship, a certificate of excellence, a commemorative plaque and be invited to speak at the South Carolina College and Career Decision Day at the Statehouse on May 7, 2025.
The SCFHOF gratefully acknowledges The Spinx Company for its presenting sponsorship, along with the continued support of William B. Sturgis and the Sturgis Family, and SCFHOF Class of 2022 inductee Joe Bostic.
2025 Bridge Builder Excellence Award Top 3 Finalists:
Jaden Cummings – Summerville High School, Summerville, SC
A senior quarterback and team captain, Cummings is set to join Dartmouth College. His decorated career includes honors such as 3× All-Region, 2× All-Lowcountry, 2× SCFCA All-State, Region 8-5A Player of the Year, and The Post and Courier Player of the Year. He was also selected for the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives North-South All-Star Game. Cummings excels in the classroom with a 4.85 GPA in AP and Honors courses and gives back by mentoring youth athletes and reading to elementary school students.
Connor Gooding – Gilbert High School, Gilbert, SC
A senior tight end committed to the University of Southern Mississippi, Gooding has been named to the All-Area First Team, 4A All-State First Team, North-South All-Star Game, and All-Region Team. Known for his strong leadership, he serves on the Principal’s Cabinet and is active in the Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Gooding regularly volunteers at a local elementary school, supporting and mentoring children in need.
Donovan Murph – Irmo High School, Columbia, SC
A standout senior wide receiver, Murph is committed to the University of South Carolina. Widely recognized as the No. 1 wide receiver in South Carolina and among the Top 20 nationally, his accolades include 2× 5A First Team All-State, 2× First Team All-Region, 4-5A Offensive MVP & Player of the Year, and the Aun & McKay Outstanding Offensive Player award. Off the field, Murph maintains an impressive 4.127 GPA and is on track to receive South Carolina’s College and Career Ready Diploma Seals of Distinction. He serves his community through Irmo High’s Key Club, mentoring at-risk boys at a local elementary school.
About: The SCFHOF is a 501(c)(3) “For Impact” organization. Our mission is to honor South Carolina football leaders and provide a bridge for South Carolina students to be in the Top 10 nationally in college and career readiness by December 31, 2030 (ranked 43rd nationally in 2019 by U.S. News & World Report). SCFHOF recognizes, celebrates, and encourages excellence through all of our programs! The SCFHOF invites you to play your role in this worthwhile legacy. Give today at scfootballhof.org.
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