Weakley County, Tenn.–Students from each of Weakley County’s high schools were recently honored at the Jim Cawley High School HERO Reception and Award Ceremony in Union City the last week of April. Westview High Senior Cara Brooke Hatler and Dresden High Senior Mark Lee Maddox II were the recipients of $500 college scholarships.
Celebrating athletes who exhibit honorable character both on and off the playing field, the prestigious award is named after Jim Cawley, who was a beloved area sportscaster for over 40 years.
The award ceremony took place at the Quality Inn in Union City. WENK Sports Director John Thornton was the event emcee. Jim Cawley’s sister Janet Cawley Keathley shared memories of her brother’s passion about sports, and UT Martin Director of Events Management and softball alum Jodie Duncan was the keynote speaker for the event.
The Jim Cawley High School HERO Athlete program was launched in fall of 2021, as principals were asked to nominate a male and female athlete from their school to be honored at the spring ceremony and be in consideration for two scholarships.
The award distinction is available for students who reside in Weakley and Obion Counties, and two from the group are selected to receive $500 college scholarships. 16 of the 28 students nominated from both districts represented Weakley County Schools.
Those students include:
Dresden High’s Maggie Oliver, Jayson Ritz, Keely Swatzell, and Mark Lee Maddox II; Gleason High’s Sophie Wilson, Layne Fowler, Kiley Corbin, and Carter Cook; Greenfield High’s Courtney Matthews, Matt Scates, Addy Usery, and John Braxton Featherston; and Westview High’s Betsy Mantooth, Austin Brent, Cara Brooke Hatler, and Taylor Haskins.
Students from Obion County, South Fulton, and Union City High Schools were also recognized.
Director of Schools Randy Frazier said, “Congratulations and job well done to these students. Mr. Jim Cawley was a fixture for sports for many years in our area, and this is a special way to honor his memory and legacy of integrity above all. The student who received this award and were nominated for the scholarship exemplify integrity and honorable character in all that they do.”
For more about Weakley County Schools, visit weakleycountyschools.com.