Winners of DeWitt Awards as top 8th grade athletes in Savannah are announced
Five winners were recently named as the 2023 recipients of the DeWitt Award as the top public and private school 8th grade athletes in Chatham County.
The awardsare presented by the Exchange Club of Savannah and were started by David DeWitt.
Eighth-grade student athletes are nominated by their coaches, principals and athletic directors based on athletic and academic achievements, sportsmanship and community service.
This year's winners are Lyleigh Bradshaw of Godley Station K-8, Alyssa Gibson of the STEM Academy, Janiyah Johnson of Savannah Country Day, Jah'Yea Martin of Myers Middle School and Stewart Dunn of Hancock Day School.
Public School Female Athletes
Lyeleigh Bradshaw
Godley Station K-8
A high honor roll student with a 98.8 grade average, Bradshaw is a volleyball star who led her team to the City Championship, while earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the season and the tournament.
She was also the leading scorer on Godley's soccer team and a standout basketball player who also particpated in cross country.
Active in the community, she has helped provide sports equipment to those in need. Bradshaw will attend St. Andrew's next fall.
Alyssa Gibson
STEM Academy
Gibson maintains a 95.18 grade average. She was selected as a peer mediator and emerging scholar.
A licensed soccer referee, Gibson is also an Altar server at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. She works at Healthy Savannah and is a Tybee Clean Beach volunteer.
"Alyssa is a good role model and great leader who is willing to take charge and mentor other young athletes," Coach Will Buckley said.
Gibson plays soccer year round for Savannah United. She was a team captain and was named the team's Offensive Offensive Player of the Year after leading her team to a City Championship while averaging three goals per game.
In cross country, she finished in the top 10 in all of her meets on a team that won the City Championship.She is also a standout volleyball and basketball player on teams that finished as runner up in City Championship competitions last year.
Gibson will enroll at Calvary Day for her freshman year.
Private School Girls Athlete
Janiyah Johnson, Savannah Country Day
An honor roll student with a grade average of 94.5, Johnson also serves meals at Kingdom Life Fellowship Church and in the West Savannah Community Boys & Girls Club.
She spends time reading and volunteering with kids at the Wesley Community Center and is a Summer Camp Counselor at SCDS Basketball Camp.
SCD coach Kenny Conroy said Johnson is a coach's dream with her hard work in the classroom and in her respective sports.
A standout volleyball player, Johnson was the leader in blocks and kills on a team the won the SPAL Championship.In basketball, she led her team in scoring and rebounding and was selected team MVP.
In track, she won the SPAL championship in the shot put, discus and 100 meters.
Public School Male Athlete
Jah'Yea Martin
Myers Middle School
An honor roll student, Martin gives back to the community by mentoring younger kids and coaching youth baseball teams.
In football, he played quarterback and was named the MVP of his team after leading his squad to a City Championship.
He also lead Myers Middle School to a City title in basketball and was picked to play in the 8th Grade All-Star Showcase.
In track, he was a City Championship qualifier in several events.
HIs coach, Frances Cave, said Martin is an excellent leader who takes care of his responsibilities in the classroom while excelling in sports.
Martin will be attending Groves in the fall.
Private School Male Athlete
Stewart Dunn
Hancock Day School
An honor roll student, Dunn also works with his church and volunteers with Second Harvest Food Bank.
In football he led his team in yards and touchdowns from fifth through eighth grade and was a team captain.
In basketball he led his team in scoring and steals and was named the team MVP while receiving the Eagle Award.
He is also a standout in track and field, winning City titles in the 100 and 400 meters.
His coaches praised Dunn for his hard work and competitive nature, and said he is a natural leader in all the sports he competes in.
Dunn will be attending Benedictine next year.
Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Top 8th grade athletes in Savannah honored as DeWitt Award recipients
