Sportsmanship

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Vanysah Hickman

Watseka JHS

Principal: Jeff Perzee

For her commitment to her responsibilities in academics and interscholastic activities, Vanysah Hickman has been selected as a Scholar Attitude Award winner representing Board of Directors Division G. Vanysah is very active in her community and her school. She has participated in Speech, Basketball, Volleyball, and Track. Within her school, she has actively participated on the newspaper staff, the science club and the builders club for three years. Through all her activity involvement, Vanysah has worked on becoming a good leader. “A good leader is someone who has no problem picking up their team and being a good influence on others at all times.” she says. Her empathy and support not only come from her extensive involvement in activities but also from the teachers and mentors overseeing these groups. She attributes her growth and development in track and field to her coaches. Their patience and encouragement have been key in her overcoming fears and turning failures into triumphs. “They believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.” This type of role modeling is a critical part of good sportsmanship, Vanysah says. “Sportsmanship is the ability to be a positive influence both on and off the field of play," she says. To be a good role model for both peers and younger student-athletes is an important component of being a good citizen and a good competitor.

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