Seniors Rachel Simon and Brooks Busby were Darlington's nominees for the NCCAA Game Plan 4 Life Award, which was presented to two area student-athletes at the National Christian College Athletic Association Victory Bowl last month. This award recognizes student-athletes who epitomize the Christian character qualities of love, integrity, faith and excellence.
“Rachel and Brooks are outstanding student-athletes,” said Athletic Director Bob Stinchcomb. “They contribute to life here at Darlington through their positive attitudes, work ethic, sportsmanship, character and leadership. I am so proud of them, and I know they will continue to represent Darlington well in college and beyond.”
Simon is a three-year member of the varsity volleyball team and a four-year member of the varsity basketball team. She has been named Top Blocker for volleyball and was twice named Defensive MVP for basketball. Simon also serves as head day prefect for Thornwood House and a member of the Honor Council, House Senate and Student Executive Committee. This year, she was named Homecoming Queen. She is the daughter of Sha' and Dan Simon of Rome.
"I have been very impressed by the way Rachel has gone out of her way to make everyone in the Darlington Community feel important and valued," said Josh Hembree, math teacher and girls' basketball coach. "Rachel possesses the total package of intelligence, leadership abilities, work ethic and a heart of gold."
Busby is a four-year member of the varsity football and wrestling teams. In football, he was named a 2012 and 2013 Offense-Defense All-American, 2013 All-Region 6A, and 2013 Region 6A Player of the year. He is also president of Darlington's Y-Cabinet and a member of the Student Executive Committee as well as the leadership team at his church. Busby received the Class Citizenship Award his freshman and junior year. He is the son of Shari and Mark Busby of Rome.
"Brooks serves others by taking on whatever the task at hand may be," said Jill Pate, director of personal counseling and Y-Cabinet advisor. "I can always count on him to be all in until the job is done. Whether it's building game stations for a children's Christmas carnival, making and placing hundreds of luminaries around Silver Lake for the Festival of Lessons & Carols, or tenaciously collecting school supplies for underprivileged children, Brooks is going to get it done. He sets the standard and his peers follow him."
NCCAA Game Plan 4 Life Award recipients Tyler Dean of Model High School and Molly Van Kleef of Coosa High School each received a $500 scholarship.
