OCHS freshman nominated for prestigious KSHSAA award
Article by Aundrea Koger
Recently, the name, “Justin Davis,” has become synonymous with prestigious awards. The OCHS freshman has now been honored as a nominee for the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) “Heart of the Arts” award, in addition to receiving the “Spirit of the Alamo” award a couple of months ago. Like the award he was honored with while in San Antonio, this statewide accolade is given to an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership, enthusiasm, and excellence in the arts and does so while overcoming adversity. The honoree is selected by the twelve-member KSHSAA Student Advisory team, and announced at a state-sanctioned event later this March. In receiving the award, the honoree will also be in the running for national recognition by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
If Davis is selected, that would make him the first recipient of the “Heart of the Arts” award from Osage City High School. That’s an impressive feat to accomplish but not unfamiliar territory for this hardworking freshman. His definition of a normal day would be considered an impressive feat for anyone else. Even with his sight impairment, Davis is a vital component of the OCHS band. He has played the trumpet since 5th grade, and learns every music piece by ear. Davis even marched in the OCHS marching band this year. It seems as if nothing can stop him. With his impressive work ethic and positive attitude, he is the epitome of what KSHSAA would be looking for in a nominee of the “Heart of the Arts” award.
When Mr. Tony Heward, the OCHS principal, was asked about what made this inspiring freshman stand out as a prime candidate for this nomination, he said, “Gosh, everything about him, from his smile all the time, to never giving up.” He then went on to talk about how Davis’s awareness of space must be phenomenal, being that he was able to march with little to no idea where he was on the field. It’s quite astounding what he does every day. Most people couldn’t even begin to fathom accomplishing the things Davis does. And he doesn’t just accomplish them. He accomplishes them to the best of his abilities, with a positive attitude that’s infectious enough to lift anyone’s spirits.
It’s apparent that Davis is more than qualified to be the recipient of the “Heart of the Arts” award; however, the decision is at the jurisdiction of the KSHSAA Student Advisory team. If this phenomenal freshman is selected as the honoree, it will be an amazing accolade that is well deserved. But even if he’s not, Davis is still a shining light at OCHS, where he continues to brighten the hallways one smile at a time.
Photo courtesy of http://www.ihigh.com
The PowWow of Osage City High School 