DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Brookhaven Panthers receiving special awards at Monday night’s Ole Brook Cross Country Banquet were (from left, bottom row) Hannah Junkin, Most Improved Girl Award; Christina Craig, Girls High School Scholar Award; Abby Roberts, Junior High Girls Scholar Award; Jordan Fries, Girls Panther Award; Gracey Gray, Girls Most Valuable Player; (standing) James Gardner, Junior High Boys Scholar Award; Jacob Britt, Boys Most Improved Award; Caleb McCreary, Boys Most Valuable Player; Will Moak, Boys Panther Award; Mason Gardner, Boys High School Scholar Award.

Brookhaven’s Gracey Gray and Caleb McCreary received the Most Valuable Player honors Monday night during the team’s Cross-Country Awards Banquet.

Ole Brook cross-country booster club president Celine Craig welcomed the crowd to the banquet and had Larry Mills delivered the invocation, which was held at the First United Methodist Church located on South Jackson Street.

“We had a very successful season and this bunch of young men and women has really worked hard all season long,” said head coach Kevin Bower.

“I had a very exciting year,” continued Bower. “We had a lot of participation on the girls and boys teams. Everyone did a great job working hard and we are looking forward to next season.”

Bower’s girls team finished fifth in State competition and the boys finished strong as well

Prior to presenting the awards, Bower thanked his assistant coach, Shannon Knott for his hard work. He also thanked the booster club, parents, friend and sponsors for their support. “You helped make our team successful.”

Hannah Junkin and Jacob Britt were recognized for the Most Improved Award. Jordan Fries and Will Moak received the Panther Award. Abby Roberts and James Gardner earned junior high scholarship honors.

Christina Craig and Mason Gardner were selected for high school Scholar Award.

Several players were recognized during the banquet and received certificates for participation, Letters of achievement, and some members of the girls and boys received their letterman jackets.

The seniors were recognized and were given a bag of goodies for their support and hard work.

DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Brookhaven Panthers receiving their letterman jackets at Monday night’s Ole Brook Cross Country Banquet were (from left) Akaysha Dillon, Tajah Black, Jake Roberson, Cody Farris, Mason Gardner, Christian Jones and Cristina Craig.