Jasper County High School Earns GHSA Cooperative Sportsmanship Award

From figuring out their next steps in life to juggling extracurricular activities and schoolwork, high school students have much to accomplish all while they develop their character and habits that will shape the rest of their lives.

For those who engage in athletic activities, this is amplified as they not only worry about their actions in the classroom but also on the field or court. As the spotlight is often put on student-athletes in many communities, Georgia high schools continue to equip these young adults with the ability to compete with exemplary sportsmanship and class.

Electric cooperatives also strive to improve the lives of young people in communities across the state and understand the importance of shaping and recognizing the leaders of tomorrow. That is why Georgia’s EMCs, including Central Georgia EMC, are proud to announce the winners of the 2018-2019 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Awards.

“Every choice a person makes affects what happens down the road,” says Christy Chewning with Central Georgia EMC. “Teaching student-athletes about character, about treating others with respect, even when it’s hard or if the other person may not deserve it, instills a better attitude in these future leaders that won’t go unnoticed. We are so proud to be able to recognize those who demonstrate these great qualities and encourage them to continue in the future.”

To be considered for this award, students, athletes, coaches, spectators, and anyone associated with high school activities programs must illustrate outstanding respect, fairness, honesty, and responsibility before, during and after an athletic competition.

“Congratulations to all of the region winners of the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award for 2018-2019,” says Dr. Robin Hines, GHSA Executive Director. “It is an honor for these member schools to be selected by their regions for this award. The characteristics of good sportsmanship are critical to the development of our young people as they transition into productive adults. The GHSA applauds our schools on this accomplishment and appreciates Georgia’s EMCs for their support of this outstanding recognition program.”

Schools such as Jasper County High School have shown exemplary sportsmanship across a variety of athletics, ranging from athletes to spectators. The award also extends to anyone involved in the athletic event, which honors both the school and the community.

Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Awards are presented annually by EMC representatives during fall athletic events and school assemblies to GHSA-member high schools in 56 regions and seven classifications.

Those pictured include (left to right) Haley Hooberry, Avery Burton, Tyler Wages, Christy Chewning, Matt Cain, Ashton Mooney, A.K. Walker, and Coach Rydell Jackson.