History-making Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee was the main attraction at the sixth annual All Arkansas Preps Awards banquet celebrating the accomplishments of high school athletes from across the state.
During a VIP reception June 16 at the Marriott Little Rock, Joyner-Kersee posed for photographs and signed autographs for fans. She is the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the long jump. She went on to win three golds, a silver and two bronze medals over four separate Olympics. She was named Sports Illustrated for Women's top female athlete of the 20th century.
At the banquet, held at the Statehouse Convention Center, Kent Early of Bentonville was named the All-Arkansas Preps Coach of the Year. Connor Noland of Greenwood received the Male Athlete of the Year award. Noland plays football and baseball. Central Arkansas Christian's Christyn Williams earned the Female Athlete of the Year award. She plays basketball.
Savana Melton of North Little Rock received the Hussman Community Award. Named in honor of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publisher Walter E. Hussman Jr., the award is given to an athlete who has worked to better the community.
The CHI St. Vincent Health Award was given to Greenwood's Lexie Castillow. She was diagnosed with a giant-cell tumor in her knee at age 10, but went on to play volleyball and softball.
The event is presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
High Profile on 06/24/2018