As games, matches and races are watched, there always seems to be athletes who outshine the rest and have impressive skills. Athletes with these characteristics can even be found at LHS.

Each year, the Argus Leader hosts a sports award night to honor and recognize these outstanding athletes.

The event will be held at the Sanford Pentagon on May 16, with special guest speaker, Jordy Nelson, a Green Bay Packers wide receiver.

This year, nine LHS athletes were nominated to receive the title of “Athlete of the Year” in their own sport and overall for boys or girls, more than any other school in SD.

Athletes are chosen by a committee at the Argus Leader based on their performance during their season, their statistics, state tournament finishes and consultations with coaches.

The nine nominees from LHS for the fall season are Liam Downey and Isaac Woods, for boys soccer, Jack Elliott, for boys cross country, Meredith Benson, Ava Leonard, Emily Whitney and Johana Brower, for girls tennis, Molly Faris, for girls soccer, and Courtney Klatt, for girls cross country.

Some common feelings of athletes after receiving this nomination are joy and pride, rightfully so.

“I feel honored and thankful, but I am also proud of the work my team and I put in during the season,” said Downey.

“I feel excited and honored to have received this award,” said Brower.

Congratulations to each LHS athlete who was nominated, you are representing your school well.