GMSD is excited to announce the September nominations for Athlete of the Month, presented by Alisha Dumas with State Farm. These nominations are based on athletic work ethic, attitude, and sportsmanship, but these student athletes are just that - students first, athletes second. They must have good academic standing, maintain a good attendance record, and have a positive outlook towards their education and their community. Receiving a nomination is an honor in itself!
Each month the community will get to vote on which athlete they would like to see become the GMSD Athlete of the Month. There is a High School category and a Middle School category. Voting for these categories will be kept separate, so each month there will be an Athlete of the Month from the High School and the Middle School. The winners will be announced towards the end of each month.
Here are the September High School nominees:
Thomas Dickinson - Senior, Cross Country
As a senior and team captain, Thomas has continued his progression as a high-performing distance track and cross country athlete; already competing in two regional Cross Country Events this season with great results. Thomas has been competing since middle school and has continued to set new personal bests each season and while at Houston High School. Thomas has been able to competing as a varsity athlete at HHS since his sophomore year. Throughout his career as a Mustang, he has been recognized with multiple awards while being selected to All-Metro teams for both Track and Cross Country. He has had great coaches and mentors along the way and looks to encourage a talented team to carry on the Houston Distance tradition. He knows how talented his teammates are, and he is always encouraging them to reach their fullest potential. Thomas spends time volunteering at his church, is a member of FCA, and is an honor student.
Abbey Johnson - Senior, Volleyball
Abbey started her Houston volleyball journey in the 6th grade at HMS, and since then she has played club ball and school ball for several years. She is known as the loudest cheerleader for her teammates, both on and off the court. She has a spirit that genuinely wants her teammates to succeed and feel loved. She is not only known for her defensive reads and blocking, but she is also always there to help some of the younger players that are new to the team. She has a positive attitude and gives her all to uplift those around her and work hard.
Zoe Marsh - Senior, Cross Country
Zoe is known as the fun and uplifting teammate in both Cross Country and Track. She has been named runner of the year for both her sophomore and junior seasons, and she is now ready to run her senior season. She was also named as a nominee for Athlete of the Year by the Commercial Appeal the last two years. She competes in Softball and Track as well. For track, she won the state title in the 3200 this past season, and she placed second in the 1600. She is always uplifting her teammates and encouraging those around her to pursue their best.
Keegan Pilant - Senior, Soccer
Keegan has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old. She has played all four years for Houston, and she has recently overcome an ACL injury. She is excited to finish her senior year with the team. Keegan is known for her supportive attitude both on and off the field. She is the Public Relations officer for SGA at Houston and the West Tennessee Area Representative for TASC, and she is also a member of the Horizons club. Keegan plans on going to college to pursue a career as an elementary school PE teacher.
Kylan Sharp - Senior, Volleyball
Kylan began playing volleyball in the 7th grade. She was a dancer, a gymnast, and a swimmer, but volleyball stuck with her the most. She began pursuing the sport competitively, and now plays not only for HHS, but also for Memphis Juniors. As a member of the Leadership Academy, she is recognized for her great leadership skills and her contagious personality. She is charismatic and focused, and her teammates respect her and follow her lead, both on and off the court. Kylan, along with her teammates participate in community outreach programs in the summer, and she also pursues this volunteer work individually as well. She is a member of HOSA, Beta Club, National Honor Society, and SGA, and in every avenue she is known for her uplifting spirit.
Lucy Smith - Senior, Soccer
Lucy began playing soccer around 5 years old, and her love for the beautiful game continued to grow from there. She competes with the Lobos, and she has played at Houston all four years of her high school career. On the field she is known for her talent and her speed, but she is also known as a great, supportive teammate. She is very driven and pushes those around her to be their best. She has committed to play at Lee University upon graduation this spring.
Here are the September Middle School nominees:
Rand Clawson - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country
Rand started running when he was 8 years old, and in the summer of 5th grade he participated in the program called RUN365 to get ready for XC and track in 6th grade. Through his continued hard work and determination, Rand was named one of the captains of the XC team and the track team his 7th grade year. He is known for his leadership, and he continuously motivates his teammates. At the first XC meet of the season this year, he ran 12.30 for 2 miles, and received 3rd place overall. Rand has a strong relationship with his coach and his teammates, and he always pursues his best. He is also in all honors classes and works just as hard in academics as he does in running. He has played trumpet in the band since 6th grade, and he has been awarded Outstanding Band Member of the year 2 years in a row.
Scarlett Dykes - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Volleyball
Scarlett has been playing volleyball for 5 years, and this is her 5th season playing for Riverdale. She also played club volleyball at Memphis Juniors this past season, and this upcoming season will be her 5th season playing club volleyball as well. Scarlett is a versatile player and can play every position on the court. She is a strong hitter, setter, passer, and server. She is known for keeping a level head and playing well under pressure. She is dependable as a teammate both on and off the court. She was a part of the Raiders' championship victories in the 2023 Eagle Classic Power Division Tournament and the 2023 Briarcrest Tournament. In addition to her love of volleyball, Scarlett is an honor roll student, an awesome big sister to her two younger siblings, and is an Advanced Art student at Riverdale.
Rhetta Lammi - 6th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cross Country
Rhetta has been running XC and Track since the 3rd grade, and she continues to work hard to be the best she can be. By consistently training in the preseason, she has achieved her own personal goals, as well as team goals. Rhetta is a self-starter and is always eager to meet any goal she has set for herself. She met the team goal of running 100 miles over the summer. Her work ethic is matched by her team first mentality and her sportsmanship. She is always encouraging both her teammates and competitors. Off the course, Rhetta also holds herself to a high academic standard.
Ansley Pardue - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Volleyball
Ansley began playing volleyball in the 5th grade, and after multiple sports, this was the one that stuck. She has now played at HMS all three years, and she also plays club volleyball as well. She has competed at the AAU Nationals in Orlando, and her team won their regional level for a bid at USAV Nationals. She is a calm and effective leader on the court. As a setter, she communicates with all of her teammates and is constantly striving to achieve the best play set ups for each of her teammates. She loves the game, and the joy that she receives from playing.
Angelie Reuer - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer
Angelie began playing soccer at around the age of 5 years old, and from there she has continued to grow her love and determination for the sport. She is known for her speed, but also for her drive to set up her teammates for success. She is a social butterfly, who always wants her teammates to feel uplifted, encouraged, and ready for what comes next. In her soccer career, she has played as a starter for HMS from the beginning of her 6th grade year. She also competes on the State team and the Lobos. She works to leave a lasting impression on those around her by always spreading kindness.
Reagan Stumph - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer
Reagan is the team captain for the HMS girls' soccer team, and she received that title not only because of her dedication to the game, but also to her teammates. She is a consistent, postive, and uplifting spirit for those around her. She encourages her teammates to always keep a positive energy, no matter the situation. She is a hard worker both in season and in the off season. She also competes with the Lobos E64 team.
Click here to cast your vote! Voting closes Wednesday, September 27 at 12:00pm!