Jacob Craver was awarded the Heart of a Champion scholarship.
File Photo
CHAPEL HILL — A total of 35 student-athletes from North Carolina High School Athletic Association member schools will be honored for their outstanding sportsmanship as winners of the “Heart of a Champion” Award recognition.
Starmount High School had three students named ‘Heart of a Champion’, Kennedy Grace White nominated by Nicole Pardue, Emma Freed nominated by Nicole Pardue, and Jacob Craver nominated by Scott Johnson.
The sportsmanship recognition is part of the program offered by the NCHSAA Student Services Division. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there will not be a luncheon this year. However, the award winners will be honored through the NCHSAA’s social media and online platforms in addition to receiving the awards. These awards are sponsored by NC Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Mark Dreibelbis, NCHSAA Associate Commissioner, and Director of Student Programs and Sports, Chiquana Dancy, administer the program.
“We are thankful for the North Carolina Farm Bureau’s continued partnership with us and appreciate their support to honor the outstanding character of these athletes,” said NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker. “We are honored to recognize this group of 35 student athletes that have consistently demonstrated the values and traits that we hope all student athletes learn through our programs. Now more than ever, our society is in need of young people like this group of award winners that are dedicated to excellence in sportsmanship and citizenship.”
Each of the NCHSAA member schools had the opportunity to nominate one male and one female student-athlete for the recognition. The students must have participated in at least one varsity sport or activity, including cheerleading, during the 2019-2020 school year, have not been ejected from any contest, and must have demonstrated outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship during their high school careers.
The students filled out an application questionnaire and then a school official, such as the principal or athletic director, also provided an evaluation.