Sportsmanship Recognition for NCHSAA Student-Athletes As “Heart Of A Champion” Winners Honored

CHAPEL HILL—A total of 15 student-athletes from North Carolina High School Athletic Association member schools have been honored for their outstanding sportsmanship as winners of “Heart of a Champion” recognition.

The sportsmanship recognition is part of the program offered by the NCHSAA Student Services Division and is sponsored by the North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Mark Dreibelbis, NCHSAA assistant commissioner, and assistant director for student services Chiquana Dancy administer the program.

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 2013-14 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.

The students were honored at a luncheon on Saturday at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Durham.

“We are proud of the achievements of this select group of student-athletes,” said NCHSAA commissioner Davis Whitfield. “With recognitions such as these, we are continuing our emphasis on sportsmanship and the important lessons high school athletics teach.”

North Carolina Farm Bureau Heart of a Champion 2013-14 Honorees:

Student Athlete School Nominator
Mark Bedard East Gaston Tom Adams
Jared Buddington Cedar Ridge Jennifer Pepin
Drake Buxton W. G. Enloe Bob Anderson
Kiana Davis-Hill Albemarle Joanne Hesley, Eric Davis
Rahshaun Elliott Rocky Mount Michael Gainey
Martha Farrell Woods Charter Graeme Stewart
Sarah Hinson Northern Nash Patricia Haggerty
Ben Hodges Clyde A. Erwin David Ball
Jac´quez Jackson West Rowan Todd Bell
Tommy Johnson Woods Charter Jim Malone
Natalie Kerley West Iredell Buck Gatton
Molly Kerr Clyde A. Erwin David Ball
Maria Meyer North Wilkes Dave Haynie
Rebecca Parker West Rowan Todd Bell
Payton Shuford West Iredell Buck Gatton