Dec 16, 2011
Continuing this month, SISC will be shining a spotlight on area athletes who have risen to the occasion in the classroom, in their communities, and on their teams or in their sports. We hope you’ll enjoy reading about some of the feel-good stories of young people who are contributors in the game of life. And as always, if you have a candidate you’d like to nominate for SISC Trifecta, contact us and we’ll check in to it. While we cannot guarantee every nominee will be featured, we will do our best to spotlight the area’s very best!
Celeste Herrmann – Marion
Celeste Hermann
Celeste Herrmann – A three year member of the Marion High School tennis team, Celeste Herrmann has won the Most Improved Award both her sophomore and junior year. Herrmann plays the No. 4 singles position and placed second in the South Seven Conference. Herrmann is a member of Tri Hy Y and Sophisticats and is a member of the high school choir while carrying an impressive 3.60 GPA (4.0 scale). During her spare time Herrmann does volunteer work at the Marion VA Hospital and also at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center.
Marion tennis coach Carrie Watson said Herrmann has achieved much through hard work.
“Three years ago if you would have told me that Celeste would be one of my top players I would have never believed you. This young lady had not played very much tennis before entering high school. But through hard work, taking private lessons, participating in the tennis programs sponsored by the SIU tennis teams, and listening to her coaches then applying what we did in practice to matches has turned her game around. Herrmann is a very determined and competitive individual. This shows off the court in her academics as well as on the court. She enjoys life and her huge smile and sense of humor conveys this. She is truly a great addition to our team and time with Celeste is always an experience.”
“Three years ago if you would have told me that Celeste would be one of my top players I would have never believed you. This young lady had not played very much tennis before entering high school. But through hard work, taking private lessons, participating in the tennis programs sponsored by the SIU tennis teams, and listening to her coaches then applying what we did in practice to matches has turned her game around. Herrmann is a very determined and competitive individual. This shows off the court in her academics as well as on the court. She enjoys life and her huge smile and sense of humor conveys this. She is truly a great addition to our team and time with Celeste is always an experience.”
Joshua Tharp – West Frankfort
Joshua Tharp is a three-sport standout at West Frankfort High School while still maintaining a better-than-perfect GPA of 5.02 on a 5.0 scale. Tharp ranks 5th in his class of 108 students while maintaining a rigorous athletic and extra-curricular schedule.
West Frankfort wrestling coach Rick Arrington said Tharp is a joy to coach.
“Josh is a great kid, probably one of the best I’ve ever coached,” said Arrington. “He is just a great athlete and is always putting in extra time and always gives a maximum effort. He’s a straight-A student and always works hard in practice. He’s a natural leader to everybody on the team. He’s the kind of kid that you wish was your own and if I had 20 more like him I wouldn’t need to do anything else in practice every day.”
