Highland Middle School eighth grade students Branton Howard, Madison Cecil, and Gena West have been selected to receive sportsmanship honors for their conduct as student-athletes during the 2015-2016 school year.

Howard and Cecil will be receiving the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s prestigious Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award. The award, named for two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, is presented each year to a male and female student who have been outstanding in their efforts to promote sportsmanship in their school and community.

West will be receiving the National Federation of High School’s National Award of Excellence. The award is presented to a student that has exhibited qualities that embody good citizenship, good moral character, good sporting behavior, and is a positive role model for others.

The three honorees will be presented with their awards during the all-school Talent Show on Tuesday, May 24 in the middle school gymnasium.

Howard was a member of the cross country, boys’ basketball, and track and field teams; Cecil was a member of the cross country and girls’ basketball teams; and West was a member of the volleyball, girls’ basketball, and club softball teams. All displayed the characteristics for which these awards were designed.

The National Federation of High Schools and the Ohio High School Athletic Association strongly support good sportsmanship among the youth and adults in our schools and workplaces.