PAHOKEE- On Aug. 18 the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced the 2021 Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award recipients, and Pahokee Middle-Senior School was chosen as the Class 1A winner.

The award is given to schools whose athletic teams demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the 2020-2021 regular season as well as FHSAA State Series competition.  Fourteen high schools were chosen, a winner and runner up from each of the seven athletic classifications in Florida.

“It is our pleasure to once again promote outstanding sportsmanship displayed by our member schools,” said George Tomyn FHSAA Executive Director.  “High school sports teach lessons well beyond the game and no one knows that better than these schools being recognized as the 2021 Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award Winners.  The student-athletes, coaches, administrators, parents and fans of these well deserving programs exemplify the true meaning of sportsmanship.  On behalf of the FHSAA, I’d like to congratulate each of these schools for the remarkable job they’re doing to educate our students-athletes here in Florida on the value of good sportsmanship.”

The overall classification recipient is presented to one school in each classification whose total sports program best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship as demonstrated by its coaches, players and spectators.

Criteria for selection of the winners includes programs and activities implemented within the school and community to promote sportsmanship; the number and type of exceptional sportsmanship reports; and the source of the nomination.

Pahokee was awarded $2,500 and a plaque for the honor. Blountstown, which came in as runner-up in Class 1A received $500 and a commemorative plaque.