Tharptown’s Franks named regional recipient of Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Achievement Award
On Thursday, March 19, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) announced regional recipients of the Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Program’s Larry D. Stripling Scholar-Athlete Award and the Ken and Betty Joy Blankenship Student-Athlete Achievement Award.
According to the AHSAA, the Ken and Betty Joy Blankenship Student-Athlete Achievement Award, which started in 1989, “honors high school seniors who are both superior athletes and outstanding students. Selection considerations include scholastic standing, sport involvement, athletic honors, student leadership, and civic/church leadership.” Regional winners of the respective Bryant-Jordan program honors receive a $3,000 scholarship.
One of the recipients of the Student-Athlete Achievement Award was Tharptown High School senior Natalee Franks, who was the winner from Class 2A Region 7.
“I didn’t expect it. I was shocked, really,” Franks told the Franklin Free Press. “But I’m proud of myself and thankful for everyone that has helped me get to where I’m at. Without my friends and family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Franks also gave enormous credit to her teachers and coaches, specifically THS principal Dr. Tyler Berryman and THS teacher Dr. Michael Burkett.
“Dr. Berryman has helped me a lot with all of things that I’ve had to go through,” she said. “And Dr. Burkett has always been there for me to talk about anything I’m struggling with.”
Franks is active in softball, cross country, and track and is also involved in numerous other extracurriculars and clubs such as National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Talent Search, Fellowship of Christian Students, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Childhood Development. She has taken duel enrollment classes, as well.
All regional recipients of the awards will attend the 41st annual Bryant-Jordan Awards Banquet at Birmingham’s Sheraton Hotel on April 13 and will be eligible to receive other special awards during the banquet.
“I’m very thankful and blessed by God for giving me this amazing opportunity,” Franks said.