By TIM GUERCIO

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Lance Gaude Jr. has been chosen to the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame National Team of Distinction.

From a pool of 3,500 scholar-athlete scholarship winners, the NFF announced on June 10 a list of 82 members of the inaugural 2019 NFF Team of Distinction.

The NFF’s National Network recognizes high school scholar-athletes from throughout the nation for their combined performance on the football field, in the classroom and in the community.

A sample of some of Gaude’s achievements are being a four-year letterman in football, freshman and sophomore baseball, senior year track, qualifying for South State in long jump and triple jump, qualifying for state championships in 4×400 relay, being a member of Vacation Bible School, giving time to help young children with many activities and being a member of the National Honor Society, with a 3.94 GPA and an ACT score 29.

As part of its mission to promote the scholar-athlete, the initiative allows the NFF to honor the top high school scholar-athletes from throughout the nation and the local NFF Chapter as the best and the brightest at the local level.

Freddie Sandel, Natchez chapter President presented Gaude with the top local chapter scholarship earlier in the year.

“What a wonderful honor for Lance and a perfect ending to his senior year,” Sandel said. “He loved playing for Cathedral, and I know he will miss those Friday nights.”

Gaude is the son of Lance Sr. and Tracy Gaude.

“We are very appreciative of the Miss-Lou chapter for Lance’s scholarship award and very proud of his latest recognition,” Tracy said.

Former NFL player, and Mississippi native Archie Manning is the NFF Chairman. “This initiative allows us to shine a national spotlight on some of the most deserving high school student-athletes,” Manning said. “This honor is one of the most prestigious national awards that a high school player can receive, and it really brings into focus the phenomenal work that our chapters do in identifying the most outstanding leaders in their communities.”