Cherokee High School has been named the 5AAAAA Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award Winner for 2012. 

Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (Georgia EMC) sponsors the award, which honors schools that demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the 2011-12 school year.

"Sportsmanship is an essential element in the mission of education-based athletics," said Dr. Ralph Swearngin, GHSA Executive Director. “Good sporting behavior involves many important values that influence the behavior of productive citizens. The GHSA appreciates the efforts of Georgia EMC to recognize schools that have excelled at good sportsmanship."

Since 2006, the GHSA and Georgia’s EMCs have sponsored the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship award, which reinforces the GHSA philosophy: “Students, athletes, coaches, spectators and all others associated with high school activities programs should adhere to the fundamental values of respect, fairness, honesty and responsibility.”  Schools around the state are honored for exhibiting exceptional sportsmanship during competitive events.

Student athletes, fellow students, school staff, parents and event spectators are recognized for the sportsmanship they display.  The award is not only a school honor, but a community honor as well. The GHSA region secretaries select winners based upon the sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the school year. Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Awards are awarded annually to the GHSA-member high schools in the 40 regions from the five classifications by representatives from the EMCs during fall athletic events and school assemblies.

“I am very proud that our coaches, athletes, staff, fans and community represent in a manner that is worthy of this honor!” Principal Debra Murdock said.  “Thank you for your commitment to the Warrior Nation.”