July 6, 2012 (Tampa, FL) — With the commencement of the 2012-13 school year, The Vanguard Award Committee is proud to announce that the program will continue to recognize Hillsborough County high school student athletes for their outstanding achievements in academics, athletics and in the community. The committee is currently accepting nominations for the September “Student Athlete of the Month” until September 14, 2012. This year, students, along with coaches and athletic directors, are invited to nominate their peers at www.Vanguardattorneys.com/Vanguard-Award.
“Last school year, we were able to reward truly special students who have a positive impact on high school athletics and we are thrilled to be able to continue celebrating the achievements of outstanding student-athletes in Hillsborough County,” says Frank Marsalisi, managing attorney of Vanguard Attorneys. “This year, we are proud to welcome Arthenia Joyner to the Vanguard Award Committee. A former teacher and current State Senator, Ms. Joyner has always held a special place in her heart for the improvement of the Florida Public School system. Her commitment will be a powerful asset to our program and we are excited to have her on board.”
Arthenia Joyner, who serves as of counsel to Vanguard Attorneys, is dedicated to improving and maintaining the integrity of the Florida Public School system. Throughout her career she has been involved with several organizations that have helped her in these efforts. She has previously served on the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Hillsborough County School Board, which works to ensure students receive the best education possible. Joyner was recently recognized for her commitment through the Shining Star for Public Education Award by Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association in 2011.
The Vanguard Award was established in 2011 by Vanguard Attorneys, a personal injury law firm serving the Tampa Bay community. The mission of The Vanguard Award is to celebrate outstanding high school student athletes and coaches throughout all of Hillsborough County. The Vanguard Award honors the hard-work, drive and discipline necessary for student athletes to make an impact both in athletics and within the classroom. These students provide a strong example for fellow peers and positively impact the school system as a whole.
Each month of the school year, The Vanguard Award Selection Committee, comprised of Tampa Bay business leaders and education professionals, recognizes the “Student Athlete of the Month.” The winning student receives an award recognizing his/her achievements as well as a $1,000 check that is donated to their school’s athletic department in honor of their outstanding performance. Student Athletes of the Month are also eligible to be named the overall “Student Athlete MVP” at the end of the year and receive a check that is applied towards their college tuition.
The Vanguard Award also recognizes outstanding coaches. At the end of each school year, two coaches – one male and one female coach –are recognized for their remarkable contributions, both on and off the field. Each Coach of the Year is presented with $1,000 as a way of thanking them for their commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
For more information on the Vanguard Award, please visit www.Vanguardattorneys.com/Vanguard- Award.
REQUIREMENTS FOR NOMINATED STUDENTS
• Provide the student’s name and year (only juniors and seniors are eligible)
• Provide student’s current overall GPA (minimum GPA of 3.0 or above is required)
• List sport and athletic achievements (open to student athletes who compete in their nominated
sport during the nomination month or the previous month – for example, the April Vanguard
Award will consider student athletes who compete in March or April)
• Describe community involvement
• Detail any hardships overcome by the student athlete
• Detail plans for continuing education.