Dawson County senior Kaylee Sticker picked up what may be the final piece of hardware of her high school career, other than a diploma, on May 13 at Honors Night when she was presented with the 2019 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cup as Best All-Around Senior.
The award came during a hectic moment in Sticker’s life, according to mom Heather Sticker who, in addition to the already tight schedule of graduation, was completing a family move across the county.
“Kaylee came home with this award and, to be totally honest, we weren’t certain what is all about until we read the letter,” Mrs. Sticker said. “But, as always, we are very proud of her.”
According to ajc.com, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cup launched in 1927 to recognize local students who work hard to attain a well-rounded education. Each high school in the metro area is invited to nominate a student for this honor. Over 200 high schools in 27 counties across north Georgia participate in the annual award given to a high school student in each participating metro Atlanta school. Students are nominated and voted upon by each school’s faculty and staff based on the student’s achievements, character, leadership, and/or community involvement.
Sticker’s achievements on the basketball court, where she etched her name in the DCHS record books as the all-time leading scorer, surpassed 2,000 points and 500 rebounds, and led the Lady Tigers to four straight state playoff appearances, are well known, but they only make up a portion of the consideration behind the AJC Cup.
As a member of the nine-member leadership team of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Sticker helped mentor students both educationally and spiritually and was fundamental in the growth of the program at the school level, according to FCA Director Sam Reed.
“These are the nine students that we feel are among the most influential in their school,” Reed said. “They’re some of the best students that I’ve worked with in my ministry career.”
Sticker also set the standard on the academic front as she will graduate with a cumulative GPA over 4.0 and a combination of athletic and academic awards paving the way for her attendance at Clemson University in the fall, where she will start the student-athlete journey again as she plans to pursue a business degree while playing basketball for the Tigers.
“I work equally hard off the court as I do on the court,” Sticker said. “This award was nice because it recognized all of that.”
The Atlanta Journal Constitution will feature a special edition on June 9 listing all of the area winners along with brief bios of each recipients’ accomplishments.