Doris M.H. Lewis Memorial Award
The Lewis Sports Foundation (LSF) awards grants to local practitioners. At least two sports professionals are presented small tokens of appreciation for their tireless work and effort to service youth. These awards are designated to provide support to each practitioner and their organization.
The Doris M.H. Lewis Memorial Practitioner Award is given to recognize outstanding effort as a teaching professional who tirelessly works in leadership and physical activity positions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. We target those individuals who teach and/or coach young people despite the odds that confront them as they succeed.
We’d like to recognize Doris M.H. Lewis Memorial Award recipients:
2023
JoeAnn Jackson-Matthews
Eagles Wings Track Club
JoeAnn Jackson-Matthews has competed in track and field for over 30 years, including as a former college track athlete She is a USA Track and Field Master Certified Official and serves on the Minnesota Association Board. Ms. Jackson Matthews is the head coach of the Eagles Wings Track Club. Previously she was the associate coach for the Hospitality House Strider Track Club for over two decades. Eagles Wings is a developmental track club that is committed to developing all athletes at all levels of talent. Its philosophy, called “Total Release” strives to expose the best in all their athletes, emphasizing effort over results. Athletes who compete for Eagles Wings range from 6-18 years of age.
Jackson Matthews is dedicated to officiating and traveling with the team to state, reginal and national meets. She believes that education is a key component for young athletes who strive to perform well in school and in their sport. Ultimately her passion is about inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams. Notable awards she has received are:
· Track official of the year and Minnesota Girls and Women in Sport Day Special Merit award in 2017.
· Inducted into the Minnesota Senior Sports Association Hall of Fame.
Past Recipients:
2022 - Meredith Lang - Mosaic Hockey Collective
2021 - Lori Prioleau - Summit University Girls Athletics Association
2020 - No award given
2019 - Deborah Williams - St. Paul Parks & Rec
2018 - Kiara Buford - Robbinsdale Cooper High School
2017 - Beulah Verdell - Minneapolis North Community High School
2014 to 2016 - No award given
2013 - Linda Coleman - Merrick Community Services
2012 - Crystal Flint - Shooting Stars Girls Program
2011 - Tonyus Chavers - Richard Green Middle School
Doris M.H. Lewis
Doris M. H. Lewis was a scholar and physical education teacher at the primary grade levels. She was a cheerleader and graduate of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and Order of the Eastern Star and earned her Master’s degree from the University of Missouri. Doris was an early integrator of the Columbia Public Schools in Columbia, MO, and taught for over 25 years. She was very instrumental in raising three sons, two of whom were professional football players. She was also the stabilizing force and supportive wife of Leo Lewis, Jr. during his Hall of Fame football career and coaching roles at Lincoln University. Doris passed away in 1980.
Founded in 1999 by Leo Lewis, the Lewis Sports Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community service organization dedicated to providing our youth with the tools to develop lifeskills through education and physical activity.
