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The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has recognized eight schools with Commissioner’s Cup Awards for Community Service. Gates County High School was among the winners.

The Commissioner’s Cup Competition winners for the 2021-2022 Academic Year participated in and documented a team or athletic associated group performing some type of service project or community service. Schools had their team or teams identify a need within the community and create a plan to conduct the service project.

Each winning program receives a $1,000 stipend for their respective team or school athletic program.

The Gates County High School soccer team chose to work with local youth in their community. They planned soccer skills clinics that were free-of-charge to local youth. The team collaborated with the director of the Gates County Community Center and worked together to organize supplies, locate a field, and develop an advertising plan.

The clinics were well received, and the team had a “great time helping youth improve their soccer skills and learn to be active in fun ways”. This experience has helped the team bond with each other and improve their leadership skills.

As a result of their initial success, they are planning to hold additional clinics. So far, 40 youth have been impacted by 10 soccer team members. The impact can be summed up by quoting one of the campers, “I wish soccer camp was every day!”

“NCHSAA member schools and their student-athletes are leaders in their schools, in their communities, and in our state,” said NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker as she recognized the efforts of the eight winning schools. “We are incredibly proud of the impact that all our member schools and teams are making and are grateful to be able to highlight the exceptional contributions and efforts of this year’s eight winning submissions.

“At a time when our world is as divided and troubled as ever, these eight Cup recipients highlight what is right in high school athletics,” Tucker continued. “These advisors, coaches, teams, and school administrators should be proud of the steps they are taking to make a difference where they live and put real actions to the ideals, values, and life lessons we hope are learned through education-based athletics.”

Other winners of the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup were Green Level High School, Western Alamance High School, Northwest Guilford High School, Pender High School, Nash Central High School, Marvin Ridge High School, and Franklin High School.