By Tyler Jones ’15

Two years ago, Sherwood paired up with Cafe Rio to create a Student Athlete of the Week award for Sherwood’s standout student athletes. The award is given out weekly during the school year. Sherwood coaches and school staff submit brief nominations on behalf of a deserving student athlete or a student who has worked with the athletic department.

Once all nominations are submitted, athletic director Kathy Green chooses the student-athlete who stood out the most. The winners of the award have to showcase a variety of qualities and values that demonstrate good character. “Student-athletes who have exhibited such character traits as resiliency, perseverance, humility, grace and behaviors such as leadership, or sportsmanship,” said Green.

Senior Molly Hierholzer won the award in the first week of February. Hierholzer was a sprinter on the Indoor Track and Field team. “Molly’s dedication, desire, and discipline to train has helped improve her team and teammates greatly. Molly organized morning weight lifting sessions for the team this winter,” wrote Coach Dan Reeks on the nomination. Hierholzer is continuing to run on the track team for the outdoor season.

The award is predominantly given to student-athletes; however, students who are deeply affiliated or involved with the athletic department also can win the award.

For example, a recent winner of the award was senior Kelly Saah, nominated for her school spirit and support for Sherwood sports. “She has organized countless student spirit events at multiple games and helped increase school spirit throughout the year. Kelly is truly selfless in all that she does and is not only to athletics, but also all of Sherwood,” stated social studies teacher Katie Jaffe in her nomination. Although Saah does not play sports at Sherwood, she organized a huge student body fan base that comes out and supports all of Sherwood’s sports teams.

“I take pride in supporting all sports and making sure everyone is aware of the sporting events of the week. I’m very glad to see the student section increased in school spirit as well as attendance in the games,” said Saah.

Award winners not only receive a certificate, but are also given a coupon for one free meal at Cafe Rio. As more student athletes exemplify good character, more nominations are submitted.