Cullen Jones Award

Past Winners

    At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, a former Essex County High School swimmer, Cullen Jones, reached the pinnacle in his sport by winning a gold medal as a member of the US 400 Freestyle Relay team.  Cullen Jones graduated from St. Benedict’s Prep in 2002, and held the Essex County Meet Record in the 50 Freestyle he set that year until 2013. 

     In honor of this rare achievement, the Essex County Athletic Directors Association instituted the Cullen Jones Award, given annually to the Most Valuable Swimmers, one boy and one girl, at the annual Essex County Swimming Championships. 

     Swimming is a sport where individual efforts sometimes take precedence over team concerns.  Indeed, some elite swimmers choose not to represent their high schools at all.  Thus the Cullen Jones Award serves as a celebration of high school swimming and as a reminder that swimming for one’s high school team can be a signifcant part of the experience of those who reach the highest levels. 

     Cullen Jones has since continued his remarkable career, becoming the American Record holder in the 50 meter freestyle in 2009, and winning two silver medals in the 2012 London Olympics in the 50 meter freestyle and in the 400 meter freestyle relay.  He also swam in the preliminary round for the gold medal winning 400 meter medley relay in London.  

 In addition, Cullen Jones’ personal story is inspiring to many.  This award also serves as a reminder that one can reach the highest level in sports even where cultural and economic circumstances may be viewed by many as a hindrance.