Recently, I spoke with IU and Southern Indiana FCA rep Dave Hudson about giving "Character" awards to basketball players in different basketball tournaments throughout the state. His idea was to recognize student-athletes who were displaying good character on a daily basis. Our Henryville varsity girls finished their tip-off tournament last Saturday and since the idea was devised too later for that tournament, the FCA chapter at Henryville decided to recognize the girls this season.
Henryville FCA recognized one girl from each team this year and maybe giving one award only starting next season. In doing so next season, forms would be filled out and then sent to the state headquarters of FCA and they would pick the one person per tournament. The character award is recognition for exhibiting the FCA Core Values of integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence in their school, community and within the team. What we plan to begin this season and build on is for Southern Indiana FCA to be involved with in as many tournaments as possible.
We often see athletes being rewarded on the court, yet aren't doing what they should be doing off the court. It was rewarding as we researched these student-athletes to know there are some great kids out there in our communities.
At the Henryville Varsity Girls' Tip-off tournament, the girls that received the awards were:
Ashley Isenhower from Crothersville High School
Abigail Hurtgen from Clarksville High School
Hannah Elkins from Medora High School
Nichole Tucker from Providence High School
Sarah Gutman from Oldenburg Academy High School
Jasmine Harrell from Henryville High School
Elizabeth Wilson from Irvington Prep High School (not pictured)
