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Miramar High School football player D’Vontis Arnold receives his O.B.I.E. award amidst congratulations from Orange Bowl Committee members Wayne Schuchts, left, and Ernie Diaz. (SUBMITTED PHOTO / May 29, 2012)

Two Broward County student-athletes were recently presented with Orange Bowl Impact and Excellence (O.B.I.E.) awards.

Miramar High School senior D'Vontis Arnold and West Broward High School senior Allison Reddish wrote winning essays on overcoming obstacles in life. They will each receive $2,500 in scholarship money.

The ceremony took place earlier this month at the Broward County Convention Center.

Arnold, a running back on the Patriots' football team, proved a source of motivation and inspiration to his fellow athletes despite facing incredible hardships over the years.

Arnold has overcome a near-death experience when he was hit by a stray bullet in the fourth grade, a torn ACL in his sophomore year and the death of a close friend during his junior year. Not only has he excelled in football, but he is also an honor student who takes pride in his neighborhood and gives back to the community.

"I think with everything that has happened to me, it's made me a better person," said Arnold, who will attend West Virginia University in the fall. "When I first entered the contest, I wasn't expecting to win. When you think about the whole Broward, Dade and Palm area, there are a lot of intelligent kids out there. I am very fortunate."

Arnold's torn ACL caused him to miss his entire junior season, but he made it his mission to come back even better for his senior year.

"When I started coming back, (things were) iffy," Arnold said. "But I worked hard in the weight room to gain back my full strength. My mom was always there for me, too, and she encouraged me to pursue (my football dreams) and she also stressed doing (my best) in the classroom."