FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2003


Green, Yonge honored at 2003 Citizenship Through Sports Awards

GAINESVILLE – FHSAA Academic All-State Team members Revae Green of Tavares High School and Tyler Yonge of Vanguard High School (Ocala) were the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) honorees at the Fifth Annual Citizenship Through Sports Awards Reception on June 15 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista.

The students, along with 13 others chosen by professional and amateur sports organizations, were honored by the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance for their contributions to the highest ethical standards in sport.

Green believes that a positive attitude makes all the difference in sportsmanship. "A good attitude is essential. It is very important to bring sportsmanship into everything you do," Green said. "I believe that displaying good sportsmanship means being a team player, being respectful, fair, humble and considerate. All of these qualities are important in life."

Green finished her high school career with a 3.92 cumulative unweighted grade point average and was ranked third in a class of 220 students. She earned varsity letters in volleyball, basketball and track & field her junior and senior years. Green will attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, studying biology.

In addition to being a three-sport athlete, Green served as Student Government Association secretary for Tavares, was president of its chapter of the National Honor Society, and was president of her sophomore class. She was the Bulldogs' Most Valuable Athlete in track & field her junior year, and set school records in the 4x400-meter relay, 300-meter hurdles and high jump. Green also won the district and regional titles in the high jump in 2002. She was named the Most Outstanding Player on the basketball team on a senior. In addition to her interscholastic athletic achievements, she has volunteered more than 200 hours of her time with organizations like Adopt-A-Road, Special Olympics and United Way.

Yonge credits his family and coaches for instilling in him a sense of sportsmanship. "These men and my family have taught me great wit, respect for others, good sportsmanship, and that a person can make a difference in the lives of many or in the life of one other," he said.

Yonge finished his high school career first in a class of 349, with a perfect 4.0 cumulative unweighted grade point average. He earned varsity letters in soccer and tennis his junior and senior years. Yonge will attend the University of Central Florida in Orlando to pursue film studies or pre-law.

A leader on and off the field, Yonge served as captain of his senior-year soccer team and was an honorable mention on the Ocala Star-Banner's All-Area team, and had an undefeated season in singles tennis through the district championship. He was active in student government as a senator and historian, and was the vice-president and a founding member of the Applecore Volunteer Group at the Appleton Museum. He attended the National Youth Leadership Forum of Law and received the Law Studies Student of the Year Award his sophomore year. He was chosen as the Outstanding Knight as a senior by the Vanguard faculty as the student who most represented the school spirit.

Other recipients honored at the 2003 CTSA Awards include Los Angeles Sparks forward-center Jennifer Gillom, San Jose Sharks left wing Adam Graves, Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Shelton Quarles, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Jim Thome, and Olympic gold-medal speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno.

The Citizenship Through Sports Alliance is the single largest coalition of professional, collegiate, high school and Olympic athletics organizations in the nation, focused on character in sport. Since 1997, CTSA has been working toward a sports culture that encourages respect for self, respect for others, and respect for the game.

Contact:
Robert Hernberger
Assistant Director of Communications, FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 190
roberth@fhsaa.org