HOUTZDALE – The Knight Booster Club recently held its 53rd annual All-Sports Banquet and recognized many student-athletes for their academic and sporting achievements this school year.
Receiving awards were:
- James W. Reese Memorial Award – presented to the student-athlete with the highest GPA
- Micah DeLattre
- MV Ladies’ Auxiliary Booster Club Awards – presented in recognition of team dedication
- Tess Randolph and Jon Dale
- Cora Boulton Spirit Award – presented to a senior cheerleader
- Olivia Kitko
- 28th Annual Brian Janowiak Memorial Scholarship
- Alex Kitko
- Lady Damsel Soccer Club Scholarship
- Harley Hummel
- Black and White Mat Club Scholarship
- Jon Dale
- I.A.A. District 6 Sportsmanship Awards
- Micah DeLattre and McKenzie McCoy
- S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Awards
- Jacob Matchock and Emma Kitko
- 19th Annual Knight Booster Club Scholarship – presented in memory of Harold V. Camberg and Ben E. Walstrom
- Jacob Matchock and Emma Kitko
- Special Recognition Awards – presented by the American Legion
- Chloe Blake, Jon Dale, McKenzie McCoy and Micah DeLattre
- Special Recognition Awards – presented by the Knight Booster Club
- Jon Dale – 1,000-plus rushing yards/100-plus career wins
- Emma Kitko – 1,000-plus points
- Autumn Shoff – PJW State third place
- All-Sports Awards – presented to top female-male athlete
- Jon Dale and Emma Kitko
- Shining Knight Award – presented for support of Moshannon Valley Athletic programs
- Mike Hartman, Riddell Sports
- Alvin Anderson Memorial Super Booster Award
- Melinda Beers
- Black Knight Booster Club Appreciation Award
- Tom Perry – presented in recognition for many years’ service as school’s Athletic Director
Stainless water bottles from the Booster Club were presented to all senior athletes in addition to sports pins for varsity athletes in grades 9-12.
“It was a great night to celebrate the accomplishments of Mo Valley sports,” said Kris Albright, MVHS principal.
“This year we had a 1,000-yard rusher in football, a 1,000-point scorer in basketball, our girls’ soccer and basketball teams qualified for playoffs, three wrestlers advanced to regionals with one qualifying for states, our Bocce team finished eighth at the state tournament, the girls’ basketball and baseball teams earned Mo Valley League Championships and we had numerous athletes nominated as Inter-County Conference and Progressland All-Stars.
“Additionally, our athletes have excelled in the classroom and their renewed focus on academics and resurgence in our athletic success has created a great atmosphere in our building and community.”
Albright thanked those in attendance for their continued support of education, athletics and extra-curricular activities at the school.
The guest speaker for the event was Sarah (Rebar) Fye, a 2000 graduate of MVHS. Fye was a stand-out athlete, earning All-State honors in volleyball and softball.
Following graduation, she continued her academic and athletic career at St. Francis University and was a Northeast Conference All-Star middle infielder for the Red Flash.
Fye, now a chemistry teacher at Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School, serves as a PIAA and NCAA Basketball official and has officiated Girls’ Basketball State Championship and Division III Regional Championship games.
She spoke to those in attendance about the importance of being a good teammate and carrying that throughout one’s life. “Good teammates embrace change, accept challenges and lead by example,” she said. Fye also noted the importance of attitude, communication and perspective during her message.