Senior Ashwin Fujii named MHSAA Scholar-Athlete

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced today that senior Ashwin Fujii has been named an MHSAA Scholar-Athlete. Fujii is one of only 32 athletes in the state to receive this honor, and one of only six in Class C.

“This is such an exciting honor for Ashwin,” says athletic director Meg Seng, who adds that it has been nine years since a Greenhills athlete won this prestigious award, the last being Ellie Ford in 2004.

According to MHSAA, almost 1,700 athletes submitted applications, which included writing a 500-word essay, answering short-answer questions and submitting two letters of recommendation.

A standout in cross country, swimming and track, Fujii’s athletic achievements at Greenhills include:

–In cross country: 1st place at regionals, 24th-place finish at state meet and All-State honors (2011-12); All-Conference 1st team and Academic All-State honors (2012-13)

–In swimming: State qualifier (100-yd. breast stroke) (2010-11 and 2011-12), currently holds school record in 100-yd. breast stroke (1:03.73) and three relays

–In track:  All-Conference 1st team (2010-11 and 2011-12)

In addition, Fujii volunteers as a swim coach for children recovering from cancer at the University of Michigan, serves as Student Council president, and is a National Merit Semifinalist and two-time Greenhills Scholar.

“Ashwin is a passionate, hardworking, driven young man with a talent that is unmatched by his peers,” says cross country coach Jill Johnson. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

As a Scholar-Athlete, Fuji will receive a $1,000 college scholarship and will be honored March 23 during a special halftime ceremony at the Class C boys’ basketball final game at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing.

Fujii is the son of Yuji Fujii and Yuni Dewaraja of Ann Arbor. He plans to study engineering at the University of Michigan next fall.