The awarding of the Athletic Director’s Award to senior Jon Ward for his Christian character on the soccer field and basketball court highlighted the Grace Christian Academy Cougars sports banquet May 12 at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall.

The award, presented by Athletic Director Justin Gravlee, is the highest award given by the athletic department. It is given each year to an athlete who demonstrates outstanding Christian character and leadership on and off the field.

The academic award went to valedictorian Anthony Henderson, who was a star academic athlete throughout his high school career.

In soccer, Kyle Harris was named most valuable player on the Region Champion varsity soccer team. Other soccer award winners included offensive player of the year Marcus King and defensive player of the year Jon Ward.

Brock Bailey was named the volleyball teams most valuable player on offense. Emma Heard was the most valuable player on defense. Alex McLendon was the most improved player and Morgan Baker received the award for leadership.

Sydney Harrell won the cheerleading coaches award for the varsity squad, and Shelby Woodrum won the coaches award for the junior varsity squad.

The warriors heart award for the competition team went to Sloane Wiggins, and the rookie of the year award went to Perra Harrell.

T.J. Carlisle received the most improved player award for this year for the junior varsity basketball team. The best offensive player was Paul Randall Soden, and the best defensive player was Marcus King.

Logan Worsham was girls basketball defensive player of the year. The most valuable player was Brock Bailey, the most improved player was Jocelyn Jacobs, and the coaches award for leadership went to Ladson Simmons.

Seniors Anthony Henderson and Leonard Sheppard were recognized as the co-most valuable players in boys basketball. The coaches award went to Jared Long for character, and the most improved player award went to Jon Ward.

Award winners in softball were Brock Bailey, who received the coaches award, and Jessica Register, who received the top bating award. Co-defensive players of the year were Morgan Baker and Emma Heard.

In baseball, Tyler Friday and Taylor McDonald were selected as co-most valuable players. Other honors went to Carlisle as the most improved player, and Grant McDonald, who received the workhorse award.

Middle school sports, such as tennis, soccer, volleyball and basketball, were also recognized.

“We had a great year competing in the Panhandle Christian Conference, and look forward to expanding our programs in the future,” Gravlee said.