Franklin was well represented at the annual North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) awards ceremony June 12 in Greensboro.
Franklin High School principal Blair King accepted a plaque for women’s wrestling. Women’s Wrestling had the highest GPA (grade point average) for women’s wrestling team in the state. A $250 stipend was awarded for the women’s wrestling program.
Hope Smith and Elijah Cochran were given a NCHSAA Heart of a Champion Award. Heart of a Champion recognizes student-athletes from NCHSAA members schools who have participated in at least one varsity sport or cheerleading and exemplify outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship.
Coach Melissa Ward accepted the NCHSAA Commissioners Cup and $1000 award for FHS. To be considered for this award, a team identifies a need within the school’s community and its plans to conduct the service project. The team then creates and submits a 1 to 2-minute video of the identified project for consideration.
Barrett Stork was awarded the FloSports Indoor Track Scholarship Award. He was a member of two teams that won NCHSAA State Championships, the 2023 3A Indoor Track and Field Championship and the 2023 3A Outdoor Track and Field Championship. He was named all-conference in Cross Country three times and has been named team MVP of both the Cross Country and Track and Field Teams. He’s also been named All-Region and All-State in Indoor Track. He participates with the FCA, the Student Leadership Team, and the National Honors Society and has received the Rotary International High Honors, an Unspoken Leader Award, and a Franklin High School Impact Award.
Athletic Trainer Lynette Gibson was given the NCHSAA Homer Thompson Memorial “Eight Who Make a Difference” Award for Region 8. This award recognizes eight individuals who exemplify good sportsmanship and are positive student-athlete role models. Gibson has been a part of the athletic program for nearly 11 years. As the head athletic trainer at Franklin High School, Gibson provides exceptional care for student-athletes of all skill levels. Her passion and dedication to the health and safety of all student-athletes are demonstrated when she provides the same quality care for those athletes on visiting teams. Her approach to caring for her student-athletes directly aligns with Macon County Schools’ motto, “In the best interest of the students.”
The mission of the NCHSAA is to provide governance and leadership for interscholastic athletic programs that support and enrich students’ educational experiences. In keeping with that mission, the NCHSAA offers many award and recognition programs that highlight our members’ outstanding performances.
Picture above (L-R): FHS principal Blair King, Hope Smith, Coach Melissa Ward, Elijah Cochran, Barrett Stork and Athletic Trainer Lynette Gibson.