Las Vegas family scores doubles win with SAMMY award

"I come from a line of very hard workers," said Hal's grandson, Cameron Parker.

This Las Vegas Mormon family has valued work ever since Hal came to town. The lessons, however, eventually migrated from the pasture to the court, where Cameron and his siblings learned work ethic through tennis. The results were academic success, missionary opportunities and a major doubles victory.

In 2004, Cameron was awarded the "SAMMY," the Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year presented by the "Got Milk?" campaign and USA Today. This past summer, younger brother Brandon received the same award.

The "SAMMY" is given annually to 25 high school athletes from a pool of 55,000 applicants. Celebrity judges for the award included Andy Roddick, Steve Nash, Mia Hamm, Michelle Kwan and Tony Hawk.

The award takes into account academic, athletic and community accomplishments. Both Cameron and Brandon earned the Eagle Scout award, and involvement in church activities -- all the extra things Mormon kids do -- likely helped the Parkers "stand out," says their mother, Lisa.

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