A warm, sunny day was made a little bit brighter for Avery Woolard and Jordan Arnold as they were presented with the Watkins Athletic Award on Tuesday before the Washington-South Central baseball game.
The Watkins Athletic Award is handed out annually by Wayne and Kim Watkins in honor of their late son Trent Emery Watkins, who shined on the football and baseball fields during his sophomore, junior and seniors seasons with the Pam Pack.
Watkins, who graduated from Washington High School in 2002, died in a motorcycle accident in April 2004.
The Watkins Athletic Award is given to the senior football player and baseball player that best exhibit the following qualities: Strength of character and integrity, a positive attitude, determination and a drive to win, along with an unquestionable dedication to the team.
After the ceremony Wayne said he was pleased with this year’s recipients.
“They both seem like very good young men,” Wayne said.
Kim said she was thrilled to be able to help members of the athletic community at Washington High School.
“We’re very happy to give back to the baseball and football programs because Trent was so involved in athletics, so it’s a good day for us to pay tribute to the program and honor these two young men.”
Woolard, who has played on the varsity team for the last two seasons, was one of four potential candidates to win the scholarship.
“It means a lot to me, this award is a great award to win. I would just like to thank the Watkins family,” said Woolard, who plans on going to N.C. State in the fall to major in engineering. “There are a lot of good guys on this team and I means a lot to me that they picked me.”
Arnold, who played left tackle for the Pam Pack this season, was equally thankful for being chosen for the award.
“It’s a great honor. I have heard so much about Trent but I have never met him,” said Arnold, who will attend East Carolina before applying to dental school. “I have heard a lot of good things about his character on and off the field and it’s an honor to receive an award in his name.”