Centreville High celebrates sportsmanship

CENTREVILLE – They weren’t necessarily the best athletes at Centreville High School this year, but 30 ladies and young men were recognized Wednesday with a meaningful, first-of-its-kind honor.

The inaugural Sportsmanship Awards Banquet provided the district an opportunity to acknowledge athletes who demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship as sports competitors, and an equal degree of character as a person.

Superintendent Chad Brady, who was instrumental in organizing the event, said it’s as refreshing as it is fulfilling to know the district has such a strong representation of solid student athletes.

“This is not about how many touchdowns you scored or how many home runs you hit or whatever it might be, this is about how you conduct yourself and how you represent the school as a teammate and as a student in the Centreville community,” Brady said. “That’s the reason for this. It’s to recognize those students who do that in and out every day.”

Brady said coaches from all 12 varsity programs were asked to nominate three people worthy of consideration. As six people were named by two different coaches, that left a pool of 30 people who were acknowledged in front of parents and district officials at the high school gymnasium.

Chartwells prepared a full meal and the featured guest was motivational speaker TJ Tyus. During his speech, Tyus referenced the value of strong character and how such a virtue will reap a lifetime of benefits.

Brady said he was inspired by the NFL’s “Walter Payton Man of the Year” Award. It celebrates, in part, a player who carries himself with honor and dignity on and off the field.

“It’s really about character,” Brady said. “It’s about doing things the right way. Centreville, the school and the community, are better because of these student athletes and I’m super proud we could recognize them in this way.”

Students honored Wednesday received a plaque. They were: Garrison Bunning, Ethan Miller, Xander Frederick, Jordan Monson, Cohen Longacre, Riley Buchner, Kaelyn Snead, Emerson Hackett, Emmy Pritchard, Fannie Mildenberg, Kara Wilson, Kami Beachey, Aubrey Pambin, Landon Bingaman, Kobe Carpenter, Hannah Lennard, Kendalynn Bernheisel, Berkley Shingledecker, Ellie Redd, Ellie Miller, Henry Sloat, Brendan Sre, Gavin Palmer, Mary Stears, Owen Taylor, Aiden Kohlhoff, Holtz Hamilton, Henry Kelley, Caleb Schwartz and Chris Hall.