Lee Academy hosted its annual sports banquet on the evening of Tuesday, May 6, 2025, a memorable celebration honoring the dedication, sportsmanship, and outstanding achievements of its student-athletes from the 2024–2025 school year. The event, filled with cougar pride, saw athletes, coaches, families, and supporters gather to recognize accomplishments across a multitude of athletic programs. The evening commenced with a warm welcome delivered by Mitch Smith, followed by an invocation from Sam Gerrard. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner of BBQ, baked beans, and slaw, expertly prepared and served by the booster club, culminating in an amazing banana pudding dessert. Heartfelt thanks were extended to the wonderful cooks for the evening: Robert Kennedy, Thomas Gerrard, Hannah Reeves, Justin Reeves, and Amy Oxner. As well as the many thanks to all those behind the scenes that made this a successful event.
The awards ceremony, a highlight of the night, was emceed and guided by various coaches and staff members. Jeff Duvall had the honor of recognizing the academy’s dedicated scholar athletes, setting a tone of academic and athletic balance. The presentation of individual and team athletic awards then began, starting with Mitch Smith presenting Addison Culp with the cheerleader of the year award.
Jessica Higginbothom then presented the cross country awards. For the boys’ team, Corey Jones received the MVP award, Cache Moore earned the cougar award, and Milner Higginbothom was recognized as most improved. In girls’ cross country, Fuller Higginbothom was named MVP, and Jane Anne Reed took home the cougar award, highlighting a successful season for the runners.
Kim Baker stepped up to present the softball awards. Keaton Long was recognized as the offensive MVP, while Bella Crump secured the defensive MVP title. Jane Felton received the most improved award, Ellie Hughes earned the cougar award, and Ella Kate Bokker was commended with the hustle award. Further accolades went to Hannah Wiggins and Kelsey Watkins, who were both named to the district 1–2A all conference team.
The football awards were presented by a team of coaches: Mitch Smith, Adam Crump, Matthew Wilson, and Phil Roberts. For varsity football, Will Felton was honored as the offensive MVP, and Jack Gerrard was named defensive MVP, an honor he also received at the district level as the district 1–1A defensive MVP. Garrett Long was recognized as best running back and also earned a spot on the district 1–1A 2nd team all conference. Jaycob Fox was celebrated as best wide receiver, additionally earning district 1–1A all conference honors and a place on the 1A all MAIS team. The best offensive lineman award went to Jackson Oxner, who also garnered district 1–1A all conference and 1A all MAIS team selections. Corey Jones was named best defensive back. Eli Weeks received the best linebacker award and was a district 1–1A all conference selection. John Henry Poe was recognized as best defensive lineman and was also named to the district 1–1A 2nd team all conference. David Hall was commended as most improved. The prestigious cougar award for varsity football went to Hugh Gerrard, who was also a district 1–1A all conference pick and a 1A all MAIS team member. Additional district 1–1A all conference honors were awarded to Will Felton and Jack Gerrard, while further 1A all MAIS team selections included Will Felton, Jackson Oxner, Hugh Gerrard, and Jack Gerrard. Capping off the varsity football recognitions, Mitch Smith was named district 1–1A coach of the year. In junior high football, West Higginbothom was offensive MVP, Gavin Glass was defensive MVP, Baxter Helton was best back, Cole Kennedy was best WR, Pete Adams was best lineman, Anderson Glass was most improved, and Diesel Long received the cougar award.
Jebb Clairday presented the girls basketball awards. For the junior high girls, Bella Crump was named offensive MVP, and Ella Kate Bokker earned defensive MVP. Most improved honors were shared by Ashlyn McDaniels, Ellie Hughes, and Brynlee Devazier. Ann Louise Gerrard was recognized as the sixth man, Fuller Higginbothom was the overall MVP, and Hadley Booker received the cougar award. In varsity girls basketball, Hannah Wiggins was the offensive MVP, and Margaret Felton was the defensive MVP. Adalee McDaniel earned most improved, Emmy Lewis was the sixth man, Kathryn Phillips was named team MVP, and Addison Jackson received the cougar award.
The boys basketball awards were presented by Rudy Wilson and David Griffith. In junior high action, Gavin Glass was named MVP. West Higginbothom received best offense, while Pete Adams and Diesel Long shared best defense honors. Most improved awards were given to Slade Oxner, Ayden Lake, and Caleb Stacks, with Cooper Hill earning the cougar award. For varsity boys basketball, Eli Weeks was celebrated as MVP and also earned 1–2A all conference honors. Jax Lovell was named offensive MVP and was also a 1–2A all conference selection. Jack Gerrard received the defensive MVP award. Corey Jones was recognized as most improved, and Cache Moore took home the cougar award. David Hall also achieved 1–2A all conference status, while Jackson Oxner and Will Felton were named to the 2nd team all conference.
Drew Higginbothom presented the golf awards, with Pete Adams receiving MVP honors. Jax Lovell earned the cougar award, and Jett Myers was recognized as most improved. For baseball, awards were presented by Mitch Smith, with a special thank you extended to Heath Oxner. Sam Gerrard was named MVP and was also a 1–2A all conference selection. West Higginbothom earned offensive MVP and was also selected for the 1–2A all conference team. Defensive MVP honors were shared by Gavin Glass, who was also a 1–2A 2nd team all conference pick, and John Henry Poe. Slade Oxner was recognized as most improved and also made the 1–2A 2nd team all conference. The cougar award for baseball went to Hugh Gerrard.
Adam Crump, who was also honored as the district 1–2A coach of the year for junior high girls track, presented the track awards. For junior high girls track, MVP honors were shared by Fuller Higginbothom, Brynlee Devazier, and Ellie Hughes. Jane Anne Reed was named best on track, and Keaton Long was best in field. Ashlyn McDaniel received the cougar award, while most improved accolades went to Jane Felton and Mattlee Ashburn. The coaches award was presented to Amelia Cate Jones. In varsity girls track, MVP awards were also shared by Fuller Higginbothom, Brynlee Devazier, and Ellie Hughes. Margaret Felton was recognized as best on track, while Hannah Wiggins and Ava Helton shared best in field honors. Adalee McDaniel received the cougar award, Bella Crump was most improved, and Addison Culp earned the coaches award. For junior high boys track, Diesel Long was named MVP. West Higginbothom was best on track, Eldon Reed was best in field, Knox Long received the cougar award, and Milner Higginbothom was most improved. In varsity boys track, Corey Jones and Cache Moore shared MVP honors. TJ Davis was named best on track, Jackson Oxner was best in field, Jett Myers received the cougar award, and John Henry Poe was recognized as most improved.
The evening culminated with the presentation of several distinguished special awards, recognizing outstanding character, effort, and overall athletic achievement. The M.O.M. Award, presented by Stacie Sparks and Debbie Waldrip, was awarded to Robert Kennedy. The Jimmy Jones 110% Award, presented by Denise Jones, was bestowed upon Eli Weeks for his exceptional effort. Mitch Smith presented the Bart Allen Maxi Award to Hannah Wiggins. The Brandon Burlsworth Character Award, also presented by Mitch Smith, was awarded to David Hall. The Glen Siler Cougar Award, another honor presented by Mitch Smith, went to Sam Gerrard. Finally, the prestigious Tom Gist Athlete of the Year Award, presented by Mitch Smith, was jointly awarded to Eli Weeks and Will Felton recognizing their remarkable contributions as Lee Academy’s top athletes.
The highly successful and celebratory evening concluded with a benediction offered by Hugh Gerrard. Lee Academy congratulates all its athletes on a fantastic year of hard work, dedication, and numerous achievements.
