Grady Electric Membership Corporation

A MEMBER OWNED ENERGY PROVIDER

Grady EMC honors Central’s sportsmanship

Sportsmanship builds character — on and off the field.

That’s the  belief of the directors and employees at Grady EMC, which honored Thomas County Central High School with the 2008 Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

Donnie Prince, manager of marketing and member services of Grady  EMC, presented the sportsmanship trophy during halftime ceremonies at Thomas County Stadium on Friday. The award represents good conduct exhibited during the 2007-08 school year.

"It is our pleasure to present the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award to Central," said Prince. "While we’re often bombarded with news of bad conduct on the playing field or in the stands, not only at youth events but in the professional sports arenas as well, it is refreshing to recognize a local high school that plays with integrity. Central’s students and spectators have exhibited good sportsmanship, thus good character as well, both on the field and in the stands."

The Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award is an annual program introduced in 2006 and sponsored by Georgia’s EMCs and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) to promote sportsmanship at competitive events. The award honors sportsmanship of student athletes as well as that of fellow students, parents, coaches and spectators, making the trophy a tribute to the entire school community.

"Our employees, many of whom have family members who attend Central and its events, join us in congratulating Central on receiving this award," said Prince. "It speaks well of the entire community."

Grady EMC has sponsored GHSA championship events for three years and looks forward to promoting sportsmanship at all GHSA competitive events.

"Our own cooperative principles, such as cooperation and commitment to community, fall in line with the characteristics of good sportsmanship," said Prince. "Those who exhibit good sportsmanship tend to be better prepared for life and make good employees with high work standards. We understand that these qualities are equally important on the high school playing field as they are to employees in the workplace."