Press Release for Downtown Durham Athletic Association
2008 Student Athletes of the Year
May 13th, 2008
Downtown Durham Athletic Association
345 West Main Street, Suite 201
Durham, NC 27701
919 433-2418
MS. Margaret Reeve, Executive Director
Mr. Patrick Brunson, Chairman of the Board of Directorsr
The Downtown Durham Athletic Association will present its annual "Student Athlete of the Year" award to two Durham high school seniors on Wednesday, May 21st at 4:15 p.m. at City Hall Plaza in downtown Durham. Mayor Bill Bell will assist in the award presentation.
Being awarded for their athletic and academic achievements are Sharelle Monique Hatley of Southern High School and John Haywood Lyon, III of Hillside High School.
Ms. Sharelle Monique Hatley, daughter of Mr. Bernard Hatley, Sr., will graduate from Southern on June 9, 2008. During her four years at Southern, Ms. Hatley was a leader in three sports - basketball, volleyball and softball, earning the "Most Valuable Player" awards in volleyball and softball multiple years. In addition to her accomplishments in sports, Ms. Hatley was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Government Association, serving as student body secretary for the2007-2008 school year. She was named High Achiever in several subjects from 2005-2008 and consistently appeared on the Principals List ("A" Honor Roll) throughout her high school year. Ms. Hatley was also the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship. In her community, Ms. Hatley offers tutoring to neighborhood children, participates in clean-up efforts and works with Habitat for Humanity. Presently, her plans for college are undecided.
Mr. John Haywood Lyon, III is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lyon, Jr. and will graduate from Hillside on June 10, 2008. During his four years at Hillside he participated in football and wrestling, serving as captain of both teams. Mr. Lyon was recognized as one of WRALs Extra Effort Award recipients, which honors North Carolinas premier scholar athletes and by the United States Achievement Academys Whos Who in football. He was also selected as all conference defensive end (1st team). Academically, Mr. Lyon achieved the ranking of first in his graduating class, was a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Qualifier. Mr. Lyon participated in Hillsides Student Government Association serving as President his freshman and sophomore years. He is also an accomplished musician playing the piano and saxophone in Hillsides jazz band singing in the Gospel Choir and Chorus. Mr. Lyon serves his church and community as a leader and volunteer. In the fall, Mr. Lyon will attend Harvard University.
Downtown Durham Athletic Association is in its fourth year of existence and this is the third "Student Athlete of the Year" award. DDAA offers sports and mentoring to children ages 5-15 and networking opportunities to adults. For more information about the organization or for upcoming events, please contact them at 919-433-2418.
