Two PHS Seniors Receive Award of Excellence

Two Perryville High School seniors, Jared Hotop (left) and Natalie Bauwens, were awarded the Award of Excellence by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) for being positive role models and displaying outstanding sportsmanship through their participation in interscholastic athletics. Jared is the son of Scott and Jeanelle Hotop, and Natalie is the daughter of Kim and Mary Bauwens.

Administrators, coaches and fellow students selected them for this honor because of their exemplary display of sportsmanship. "The Missouri State High School Activities Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations are proud to congratulate them for their efforts," said Jason West, MSHSAA Communications Director, "and for being named for this special honor. We also thank them for representing their school, their teammates and high school sports in general so well by their actions and conduct in their interscholastic contests."

MSHSAA believes that positive role models, such as Hotop and Bauwens, positively influence the actions of others in their school -- teammates, younger students, opponents and even spectators. "Since few things bring schools and communities together like high school athletics," said West, "the actions they display in competitions go a long way to influence others' perceptions. By taking the responsible steps in displaying positive sportsmanship, they are helping to rekindle the spirit of citizenship and are serving as a positive representative of the school and community."