ACE Awards Students Recognized
Greenville County Schools celebrated the ACE Awards (Advocates for Character and Education) on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. The ACE Awards, founded by Greg Blatt and Coaches4Character, recognizes students that are considered “Unsung Heroes” within the district. These students have exhibited strong character and educational achievement and were nominated by counselors and staff at their school.
“Reaching your goals is not accomplished alone. By enlisting the help of those around you, your mentors, your family and your teachers, you recognize the value of coming alongside one another in life,” shared Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster. “We all have received help, and we each have the ability to help others. Just as they have helped you, you can help someone else in life. Your help to someone else might be the difference maker in helping them achieve their goals. What a rewarding opportunity you have to pass along help to someone else.”
Two 8th-grade and 12th-grade students from each middle and high school were celebrated for their outstanding character, community service, and academic determination. ACE Award winners, their mentor and their families were invited to attend the ACE Awards Celebration that featured a private reception and keynote chat with Will Shipley, Clemson University’s star running-back, and Jeremy Boone, an internationally-known professional sports performance coach. The evening was emceed by Julia Morris, Sports Anchor for WYFF4, and students received an ACE Awards medallion from their mentor as they crossed the stage. Thanks to our generous sponsors, ACE Award honorees also received gift bags from local businesses valued at more than two-hundred dollars.
Will Shipley shared his experience as a running-back at Clemson University and stated how important it was to him to also set a high standard for himself academically. “I have had to put in a lot of hard work academically to reach the goals I have set for myself. You’ve sometimes got to make those hard choices to do the work behind closed doors to reach your goals. It’s a sacrifice at times, and it may not come easy, but it’s so worth it,” said Shipley.
“Put in the work and lead with effort,” shared Jeremy Boone. “The way you continue to grow and get better is to recognize that if your presence doesn’t make an impact, your absence won’t make a difference. I challenge you to be the leader in your community and make a difference”.