Forty thousand. That is roughly how many high school seniors suit up, step onto the court, or dive into the pool across the state of Indiana every single year. It’s a massive sea of impressive varsity athletes, each driven by their own unique goals, sports, and communities.
But out of those 40,000 potential candidates, just six individuals will receive the IHSAA Foundation’s Bobby & Kathy Cox Post-Secondary Scholarship. This year, KHS Senior Macy Rakestraw made history as our very first Wildkat to earn this prestigious state-level honor.
Macy’s recognition happened right where it matters most: here at home in Kokomo High School. Former IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox and his wife Kathy do things differently. They travel directly to the schools of their six recipients to present each award in person, which brought them to our annual KHS Senior Recognition Night, an event that celebrated the achievements of 193 KHS seniors this year, including Macy.
Adding to the distinction of the evening, IHSAA Foundation Director Trip Lukemeyer also attended the Senior Recognition Night. His presence highlighted the Foundation's dedication to honoring outstanding student-athletes, offering an opportunity for foundation leadership to share directly in the celebration of a historic milestone for Kokomo High School.
Here is how a Wildkat beat the statewide odds, straight from the people who chose her.
Inside the Selection Room
This scholarship selection process isn't outsourced to a distant committee or processed by an algorithm; it is a meticulous labor of love. Bobby and Kathy Cox personally sit down and review every single application that floods into the foundation from all corners of Indiana.
The couple utilizes a highly disciplined system—a rubric where they independently review applicants before coming together to compare notes. Sometimes, it leads to spirited discussions as they share their individual selections to whittle the list down to the final six.
And when it came to Macy, the criteria carried a profound clarity.
“As I remember, her application stood out because she so completely aligned with everything this award represents," Bobby reflected. "Her leadership, her scholarship, and her activities in school... she had several things listed that she does in addition to and outside of athletics to stay involved. We look at service to the community, participation in other school programs, and try to bring all of those pieces together into a successful candidate.”
Bringing the Celebration Home: A Shared History in Our Halls
While the $1,500 scholarship provides tangible financial support as Macy prepares for her post-secondary journey, the true intent of this award runs much deeper than a line item.
For Bobby and Kathy Cox, the real value of this endowment is the opportunity to meet the recipients in their own element, celebrating them in front of the people who actually watched them grow. It is an intentional effort to ground a massive state achievement in personal connection.
That philosophy of connection was on full display at KHS during the event. Amid the hundreds of families and students celebrating, special moments of shared history emerged. Kathy Cox reconnected with Mike Wade, who now serves as the Director of Human Resources and Operations for Kokomo Schools and was once one of her students long before his years as a district administrator. In much the same way, the evening's celebration of Wildkat heritage grew even richer when Dick Sanburn, whose family represents a generational commitment to school athletics, was also present to award a scholarship. Recognizing a fellow champion for student-athletes, Sanburn echoed the sentiment of the evening by reflecting on the incredibly deep bench of student achievement across the entire KHS senior class.
Seeing these paths cross right here in our halls highlights the lasting impact of education and the strong connections that unite Indiana's schools.
When the focus stays local, the celebration becomes personal. As Kathy noted: "It is wonderful to look around this room and see our community come together to celebrate these achievements right where it all happened."
Behind the Scenes of Every Athlete: A Thank You to the Team
A student-athlete doesn't reach this level of state recognition entirely on their own. It takes late-night bus rides, early morning practices, and educators who consistently encourage a student to give their best.
Having both been coaches and educators, Bobby and Kathy Cox understand the immense weight our local coaches, teachers, and school leaders carry.
"The first thing I'd do is thank them. I'd thank them for their service," Bobby said, speaking directly to Macy's coaches and teachers at KHS. "It’s not easy to be a coach. In today's world, it’s a lot harder than it was when we were doing it. I would encourage them to continue providing that foundation, to look closely at the young people within their programs and see the potential waiting to be discovered," Bobby emphasized. "Our role as mentors is to keep identifying those students, lifting them up, and giving them the confidence to reach for their biggest dreams."
Look Beyond the Books: Timeless Advice for the Next Chapter
Macy is headed to Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business to study marketing. As she prepares to leave KHS and step onto a much larger campus, Mr. Cox offered a timeless piece of advice.
"Don’t let the books get in the way of your education," Bobby smiled.
It sounds counterintuitive at first, but the wisdom runs deep.
"It's easy to get wrapped up in a GPA, and while academic excellence is incredibly important, true education spans far beyond the classroom walls," Bobby explained. "When you step onto a campus like IU Bloomington, you are entering a global community with the largest alumni network in the world. You'll encounter perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds you've never experienced before. Ground yourself in your studies, but remember that your real education will be a combination of your coursework and the world you discover while you're there."
Where Tradition Resides and Legacy Matters
This specific scholarship carries a deep connection to its namesakes. Before spearheading the IHSAA Foundation in 2015, Bobby Cox served as the eighth commissioner of the IHSAA, capping off a 41-year career in education, teaching, and athletic administration. During his tenure, he championed student-athlete health, sportsmanship, and unified initiatives like Champions Together.
The IHSAA Foundation continues to protect, sustain, and nurture the values of education-based athletics across the great state of Indiana. Through their scholarship programs, teacher-coach training, and safety resources, the Foundation provides vital funding that directly enriches the high school experience for thousands of Indiana students long after their final whistle blows.
We are profoundly grateful for the kindness and generosity of leaders like Bobby and Kathy Cox. Whether through talents, treasures, or time, their commitment leaves an indelible mark that extends far beyond our city lines, rebounding into every region and corner of the state. This enduring dedication ensures that the Red and Blue spirit of Kokomo High School will continue to thrive, inspire, and pave the Wildkat Way for future generations of champions, right here in a place where legacy truly matters.
Click here to view additional photo highlights from the 2026 KHS Senior Recognition Night