During his long career as an Auburn coach, Bob Dean was many things.

He was a friend, a mentor, a role model and a leader both on and off the field.

And the ideals he stood for live on with the Bob Dean Scholarship and Leadership Award, presented annually to one male and one female senior at Auburn High School.

This year's recipients are Matt Hoey and Delaney Scollan.

The two were informed they had received the scholarship at the Senior Athletic Awards Dinner last week.

The announcement came as a surprise to both, who did not know until their names were called that they had been picked to receive this honor.

“I was really surprised,” Hoey said. “I was really happy, but I was really surprised.”

Scollan echoed similar sentiments.

“I really didn't know what to expect,” Scollan said. “It is really awesome, I had no idea and I didn't know what to expect until they called my name at the awards dinner.”

Dean coached the football program from 1947 to 1959 and also coached Auburn's baseball team until 1965.

While Dean represented excellence in both athletics as well as in leadership and character, so to do the recipients of the scholarship.

All applicants were asked to write an essay on a person they viewed as a leader and role model, a person that also demonstrates these qualities.

Hoey, who played both varsity lacrosse and football and was a member of the 2006 state champion football team, chose to write about his football coach Dave Moskov. “During my four years here, he has been the most inspirational leader both on and off the field and I was really lucky to have him as a coach,” Hoey said. “He taught us all so much.”

Scollan, who played varsity tennis and lacrosse and also a member of the orchestra, chose her father, Mike, who has been an inspiration to her, working with her on her tennis game as well as instilling many other valuable life lessons.

“Both my parents are very good athletes,” Scollan said. “My dad has really helped me a lot and has always helped me work on my tennis game and has helped me learn and get better. I really look up to his ability to make people feel comfortable and befriend anybody. I am really grateful to have him as my father.”

After writing the essays, the applicants are called in for an interview with the scholarship committee, which looks at their other activities beyond the athletic field.

Both winners were involved in their school and community, from academic accomplishments such as the National Honor Society to volunteer opportunities in the community, like Y-Pals.

“I love sports,” Scollan said. “And there is the other part of me that really likes to help other people and know that I am making a difference. Being involved is something I've always really enjoyed.”

This fall, Hoey will be heading off to SUNY Cortland where he will continue his lacrosse career and Scollan will be attending Skidmore College, where she plans to major in pre-med and hopes to continue her tennis career.

Both said the scholarship will be quite beneficial as they go off to college.

But it is something that will live on with them and carry a deeper meaning than the money. It is all the history and significance the scholarship represents that means so much to both.

“It is a real honor,” Hoey said. “Every day I walked into Auburn High School I see all the other winners and everything that Bob Dean represents - his dedication to leadership, it is a real honor. And it is nice to be considered with someone like Bob Dean and all the other people that have won this award.”