By ZOSHA ROBERSON
For The Reporter
In a triumphant display of sportsmanship, safety, and excellence, Sheridan High School has achieved an incredible feat by securing not one, not two, but three distinct athletic awards.
- National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School Award
Sheridan High School earned the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Safe Sports School 1st Team award, recognizing its commitment to safety in sports. This award underscores the school’s dedication to injury prevention, care, and treatment, ensuring that student-athletes are always in capable hands.
Under the vigilant guidance of Head Athletic Trainer Sandi Byle, Sheridan High School has not only met but exceeded the recommended safety standards. The school’s dedication to providing safe practice and competition facilities, proper equipment maintenance, and injury prevention strategies has earned it this recognition. In addition, all of Sheridan’s coaches are trained in CPR and AED usage, ensuring rapid response to emergencies during games.
Athletic Director Beth DeVinney expressed her gratitude, saying, “We remain committed to keeping our student-athletes safe during physical education classes, team practices, and games so they can accomplish their own goals of great competition, winning records, fair sportsmanship, and good health.”
- IHSAA Sportsmanship School Award
Sheridan High School has proven its dedication to sportsmanship by earning the IHSAA Sportsmanship School Award. This honor reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a positive and respectful athletic environment.
Sheridan received 113 out of 100 points to secure this award. This score considers service and leadership activities, as well as attendance at IHSAA meetings. SHS was just one of only 11 schools to receive this honor out of 411 schools.
“It is our goal to create a culture of excellence at Sheridan in organization, compliance, dedication, and fun not only for our students but for our entire community,” DeVinney said.
The Blackhawk Athletic Ambassadors, a group of students elected by coaches, have played a pivotal role in promoting sportsmanship within the school. They have been actively involved in leadership development, service work at the Humane Society of Hamilton County Collection, and organizing events such as the Homecoming Pep Rally. Their contributions have been invaluable in upholding the school’s commitment to sportsmanship.
Sheridan’s phenomenal fan base plays an important role in winning the IHSAA sportsmanship award. (Photo provided by Sheridan Community Schools)
- Quality Program Assessment – Exemplary Award (QPA)
Sheridan High School’s dedication to excellence in its athletic programs has been recognized with the Quality Program Assessment (QPA) Exemplary Award. This recognition reflects the school’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of athletic excellence.
The QPA Exemplary Award is not easily earned. An applicant must be a member in good standing with the NIAAA and the State Athletic Administrator Association and earn 80 percent of available points in each of the 10 categories on the application.
Sheridan High School’s achievement of the QPA Exemplary Award underscores its commitment to the educational value of its athletic programs, long-term strategic planning, continuous improvement, and professional recognition at both national and state levels.
Sheridan High School’s exceptional success in securing three different athletic awards serves as a shining example not only to its students but to the entire community. It showcases the school’s dedication to excellence, safety, sportsmanship, and community involvement, making it a role model for high schools across the nation.
“I am so proud of the work of Athletic Director Beth DeVinney, Head Athletic Trainer Sandi Byle, and especially our students, parents, and fans for the outstanding accomplishments,” Superintendent Dave Mundy said. “These are three prestigious awards and represent the standards of our entire community. They all stand as an example of what Sheridan Schools represent.”
Congratulations to Sheridan High School on these outstanding achievements!