By Satina Tolman
For The New Era
Sweet Home High School senior athletes were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and accomplishments during the annual Sports Awards Night, hosted June 1 by the Sweet Home Booster Club.
The evening celebrated the Class of 2026 and recognized the training, competition, and commitment that student-athletes have invested throughout their high school careers. Family members, coaches, teammates, and community supporters gathered to honor the seniors’ contributions both on and off the field.
Booster Club representatives Ali Garnder and Amber Rosa, opened the evening by thanking the volunteers, businesses, and community members who support Sweet Home athletics throughout the year. Through fundraising and volunteer efforts, the Booster Club helps provide team meals, seasonal snack bags, senior banners, equipment, uniforms, and other resources that benefit student-athletes across all sports programs.
Each senior athlete was recognized individually and celebrated for the sports they participated in during their time at Sweet Home High School. As each athlete was introduced, favorite memories from their high school athletic career and words of advice for future Huskies were shared with the audience.
Members of this year’s Sportsman’s Holiday Court were on hand to assist with the presentations and help recognize each senior as they received their awards and keepsakes. A senior photo slideshow also provided an opportunity for families and teammates to reflect on memories and accomplishments from the athletes’ high school years.
Several special awards were presented throughout the evening.
Luke Rosa received the Pat and Ernie Baxter Outstanding Wrestler Award, while Dillan Davis earned the Norm Davis Award. The Greg Hagle Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Luke Rosa and Cannon Klumph.
Among the evening’s most unique recognitions was the Spirit of a Husky Award, presented to athletes who competed in all three sports seasons during each of their four years of high school. The award recognizes extraordinary commitment, perseverance, and work ethic. Recipients included Dillan Davis, Lynkin Royer, Cannon Klumph, Katrionna “Peanut” Harris, Luke Rosa, and Aubrey Newberry. According to Booster Club representatives, the award reflects the hardworking nature of the Husky mascot and honors athletes who embraced year-round participation throughout their high school careers.
The Larry Johnson Sportsmanship Award was presented to Aubrey Newberry, Cannon Klumph, and Natalie Conn. The award recognizes athletes who consistently demonstrate respect, integrity, and positive character while representing Sweet Home in competition.
Recipients of the Bruce West Spirit of a Champion Award were Bailey Chafin, Trenton Templin, McKenzie Miller, and Tytus Hardee. The award honors athletes who embody determination, resilience, and a champion’s attitude regardless of wins and losses.
The Coaches Scholar Athlete Award was presented to Trinity Victor and Luke Rosa. The honor recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence both in the classroom and in athletic competition, balancing academic achievement with the demands of high school sports.
Coach Erika Evans presented the Moe Award to Addy Vannice, Luke Rosa, and Selah Wright. During the presentation, special recognition was also given to longtime educator and coach Dan Tow for 36 years of service to Sweet Home students and athletics.
The Distinguished Athlete Award, presented by Coach Nathan Whitfield, honored Dillan Davis and Bailey Chafin for their exceptional athletic accomplishments and contributions to Sweet Home’s sports programs.
One of the evening’s highest honors was the Booster Club Impact Award, presented to Luke Rosa, Cannon Klumph, Selah Wright, and Trinity Victor. Formerly known as the Booster Athlete of the Year Award, the recognition celebrates athletes who have made a lasting impact on their teams, school, and community through service, leadership, integrity, and a willingness to help others. Gardner noted that recipients are selected not only for their athletic participation, but for the positive influence they have on those around them.
The evening also included recognition from the Sweet Home High School Hall of Fame. In addition, Tytus Hardee won a door prize drawing for two tickets to the Sweet Home Rodeo, donated by the rodeo organization.
As the ceremony concluded, Booster Club members thanked the coaches who nominated athletes, the Sportsman’s Holiday Princesses who assisted with the event, and the many volunteers whose support makes Sweet Home athletics possible.
The annual awards night served as a celebration not only of athletic success, but also of the character, leadership, scholarship, and service displayed by Sweet Home’s graduating seniors. As the Class of 2026 prepares for its next chapter, the athletes leave behind a legacy of dedication and Husky pride that will continue to inspire future generations.