Regional High School Sports Recognition Programs

Introduction

Two different regional media companies have created organized systems to recognize high school student-athletes every week based on their performance and public votes.

Main Body

In northwest Louisiana, The Shreveport Times works with the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and several corporate sponsors to run a program for athletes from 15 local schools. This program includes all official LHSAA sports, except for football. To choose the winners, the public votes through an online portal, and the winners receive prizes and media coverage. Furthermore, the program keeps a record of winners in sports such as volleyball, cross country, and wrestling, and it also gives out annual 'Fan's Choice' awards. Meanwhile, in Franklin and Fulton counties, the Chambersburg Public Opinion runs a similar program for spring sports. This system recognizes top performers in lacrosse, baseball, track and field, softball, and tennis. The voting period is quite short, usually starting on Tuesday and ending on Friday. While many of the recognized athletes are from Chambersburg, students from McConnellsburg, Shippensburg, Greencastle-Antrim, and James Buchanan have also won awards.

Conclusion

Both programs serve as regular ways to celebrate student athletic success by combining official nominations with public voting.

Learning

⚡ The 'Bridge' to B2: Moving Beyond 'And' & 'But'

At the A2 level, we usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Transition. These are words that act like road signs, telling the reader exactly how the next piece of information relates to the previous one.

🔍 Spotlight: Contrast & Addition

Look at how the text moves between two different locations. Instead of saying "Also, in Franklin...", the author uses:

"Meanwhile..."

The B2 Secret: Meanwhile is used when two different things are happening at the same time in different places. It creates a sophisticated 'split-screen' effect in the reader's mind.

Then, look at how the text adds more information about the Louisiana program:

"Furthermore..."

The B2 Secret: Instead of using and five times in a row, use Furthermore. It signals that you are adding a 'stronger' or more important point to your argument. It transforms a simple list into a professional report.

đŸ› ī¸ Quick Upgrade Map

A2 Style (Basic)B2 Style (Fluent)When to use it
And / AlsoFurthermoreAdding a new, important point
But / AlsoMeanwhileComparing two simultaneous events
SoConsequentlyShowing a professional result

Vocabulary Learning

organized
arranged in a systematic way
Example:The school held an organized schedule for the sports season.
recognize
to identify someone or something as known
Example:The committee will recognize the top athletes at the ceremony.
performance
the act of performing or the result of an action
Example:Her performance in the volleyball match was outstanding.
corporate
relating to a large company
Example:Corporate sponsors provided funding for the event.
portal
a website or system that provides access
Example:Students voted through an online portal.
prizes
rewards given for winning
Example:Winners received prizes and medals.
coverage
reporting or broadcasting
Example:The games received extensive media coverage.
record
to keep a written account
Example:The program keeps a record of all winners.
annual
happening once a year
Example:The award is given as an annual event.
choice
a selection among alternatives
Example:Fans voted for their favorite player in the Choice award.
celebrate
to honor or observe
Example:We will celebrate the athletes' achievements.
athletic
relating to sports or physical activity
Example:The school promotes athletic excellence.