Chick-fil-A ‘Triple A’ – University Heights’ Sam Cotthoff

While he has been an outstanding member of the track & field team at University Heights Academy, Sam Cotthoff’s accomplishments off the field give a strong indication that he is in a position to be one of the leaders of tomorrow, no matter what he does, or where he elects to go. Those accomplishments bring Sam into the club of those recognized as a Chick-fil-A “Triple A.”

First of all, Sam Cotthoff is a standout in the classroom at University Heights. He has a 4.0 unweighted GPA and has been on the Headmaster’s List during all four years of high school. Sam has also been recognized as an AP Scholar of Distinction. That honor is only awarded to those students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

With academics like that, it is no surprise that Sam attended the Governor’s Scholars Program at Centre College, was elected President of the National Honor Society, and was a member of Senior Beta. A list of accomplishments that any student should well be proud off.

Sam also stays busy outside of the classroom. He has been on the academic team with placements in Arts & Humanities, Science, and Quick Recall, and has competed at both the district and regional levels.

He has exhibited strong leadership traits during his time at University Heights. Sam has been a member of the Empower Kentucky Youth Leadership Conference where he served on the Youth Planning Team in 2020. He was involved in helping to plan a conference that encourages Kentucky teens to take action in their community. Sam notes “after attending the conference in 2019, I knew that I wanted to do whatever I could to help others learn more about what they could do to fix issues they saw in society.”

Sam has also been a member of the leadership team of the school’s Environmental Club, a member of the Youth Leadership Class of 2020, and the Editor-in-Chief of the Art and Literature Club, which focuses on the promotion of the artistic and literary talents of all UHA students.

Speaking of the arts, Sam is a “dramatic” individual, in a good way. He has been involved in school theater at UHA, participating in productions like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Shrek.” He is currently rehearsing the role of the baker and making his directorial debut as the Assistant Director for the production of “Into the Woods.”

Additionally, Sam has been involved with community theater through Campanile Productions and been a part of musicals like “13”, “The Addams Family”, and “Peter Pan.”

You would think that would pretty much take up all of his time and then some. Still, Sam has been involved in his community with several volunteer efforts. Some of those include working as a counselor for Sanctuary’s kids camp “Camp KIDS.” He assisted for two summers at the “KICCS” program at Hopkinsville Community College.

Sam attends First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he has served as the Virtual Church videographer/streamer helping the church to provide their services online. He is also an active member of the church’s youth group.

As for his future, Sam has not decided on a college but plans to major in either Psychology or Neuroscience.

By the way, athletically, Sam has competed in track and field as a thrower since he was in the 7th grade and holds the UHA shot put record. He was the KTCCCA Indoor State Champion in 2021 and made it to the KHSAA outdoor state meet that year as well.