Local historian Chuck Langerman has shared with us the origins of the Holden Award, given annually to a Cheltenham High School student-athlete who, in the opinion of their teammates and coaches, has exhibited outstanding qualities of leadership, character, and athletic ability.

The award began after the tragic passing of John “Jack” Holden on October 14, 1953. Holden was a member of the Class of 1953 who grew up on Summit Road in Wyncote and excelled in football and wrestling.

While playing in an intramural touch football game at Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas, he was accidentally struck in the chest and suffered a fatal injury. He was 18 years old.

His father, Mr. John W. Holden, initiated the award in 1955 in his memory.

Previous winners have included Steven Tolliver, Jr., Class of 2007, and MLB Hall of Famer and CHS Class of 1964 Reggie Jackson, who celebrated his 78th birthday on Saturday, May 18.

Jackson is pictured below nursing a broken left arm with the Thomas Williams Junior High School baseball team in 1960.

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