The Thomas W. Burns Academic All-Star Awards are presented annually by the Hall of Fame. Until last year since 1996, the Hall had been in partnership with the Mercer County Sports Radio. They are awarded to the senior male and senior female athlete in each school district in Mercer County and Kennedy Catholic High School and the senior male athlete at the George Junior Republic with the highest academic standing. Each of the students, 27 in all, receives a $200 U.S. Savings Bond usually at his or her Recognition Day ceremony.

The late Mr. Burns, who lived in Sharon, was a Hall president and a popular sports announcer.