Joaquin recognizes athletes at fete
honored athletes of the 2009-10 school year during the recent JHS
Athletics Banquet. The Female Athletes of the Year were Whitney
Vaughn (left) and Olivia Worsham (right). The Male Athlete of the Year
recipient was Shane Taylor. (Photo courtesy of Joaquin ISD)
With nearly three-quarters of the high school's student body participating in athletics, Joaquin challenges for district titles, regional participation and many other postseason accolades each school year. The Joaquin High School Athletics Booster Club honored those student athletes at the 2009-10 JHS Athletics Banquet held recently at the school.
The booster club, along with JHS administration, faculty and staff, parents and friends honored each high school athlete for their team and individual accomplishments with a dinner and awards ceremony held at the school.
There were many individual and team awards presented at the ceremony as it was announced that 68 percent of high school students participate in high school athletics.
Joaquin male athlete Shane Taylor was named 2009-10 Male Athlete of the Year for his performances in football, baseball, powerlifting and golf during the past school year.
Two Lady Ram athletes were presented with the 2009-10 Joaquin Lady Ram Female Athlete of the Year award. Whitney Vaughn participated in softball, track, cheerleading and basketball, sharing the top honor with Olivia Worsham, who participated in track, softball, cheerleading, powerlifting, cross country and basketball. Both athletes had outstanding years.
Some of the other highlights of the evening included the following recognitions:
- Four Joaquin High School cheerleaders were selected to the UCA All-American Team in 2009.
- The 2009 JHS Ram football team advanced to the semi-final round of the Class 1A State playoffs for the first time in school's history.
- The Joaquin Ram varsity baseball team was a Class 1A Area finalist, while the Lady Ram softball team was a Class 1A Bi-District finalist.
- Nine members of the JHS track teams advanced past district and five members of the team qualified for the Class 1A Region III Meet in Palestine.
- Two Joaquin tennis athletes advanced to the Region III Meet and one golfer also made the trip to the Class 1A Region III Meet.
- In powerlifting, three athletes moved past district and headed to the Region III competition.
- Joaquin High School Special Olympics participants, along with athletes in all four high school grades were also honored for their hard work and dedication.