Before the teams took the field during the Class AAA State Championship football game  at Wheeling Island Stadium on December 1, two Bridgeport students were honored in a pre-game ceremony that acknowledged their academic excellence, athleticism, musical ability and community service. 

 

This year’s Academic Achievement Awards went to Clayton Hammond, who was selected in the Individual Category for the Male Athlete Award for Middle Schools and Bryar Huff, who was awarded the Male Band Student Award for Middle Schools.  The young men were selected from over 130 schools throughout the Mountain State.

 

Each year, Athletic Directors submit the names of athletes cheerleaders and band members who excel academically.  Although both young men are currently freshmen at Bridgeport High School, they were awarded based on their achievements at Bridgeport Middle School last year.  In addition to the individual awards, the school also won the Team Sport Award for Volleyball with an overall GPA of 4.0 and the Band Award with an overall GPA of 3.899.

 

The selection process began earlier this fall as statewide administrators and athletic directors submitted their nominations for academic awards for students.  Nominees then submitted resumes outlining their involvement in school activities, grade point averages, attendance and community service. The WVSSAC board then chose the winners based on the applications and resumes, presenting the awards prior to the game on December 1.  A recognition breakfast was also held to honor recipients.

 

Besides having a 4.0 GPA, Hammond was part of the football, track and wresting teams at Bridgeport Middle School.  He regularly volunteers with United Way and has participated in several charity 5K events. 

 

Huff was selected for the award based on his GPA, attendance and his volunteer work, which has included participating in the Jr. Police Academy, competing in robotics, playing baritone in the Bridgeport Middle School band, being part of the WV History Bowl, and many volunteer activities that help local charities.

 

Each of the young men received a plaque in the awards ceremony and plan to continue to excel academically and athletically as they were members of the cross country team and anticipate being part of track in the spring. The Harrison County Board of Education also honored the duo and Bridgeport Middle School for their team awards.