Turner Michael, a junior at Fannin County High School, is one of only 19 members of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Student Advisory Committee.
He was one of only two representatives chosen from more than 60 applicants from Class AA schools, FCHS Athletic Director Shannon York said last week.
“We’re proud for him to represent our school,” York said.
Michael attended the organizational meeting of the committee last Wednesday, August 24, in Macon.
He described the meeting at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame as “a really good experience.”
Michael said the committee’s focus is to “keep everything in high school sports clean and positive.” This will include a referee appreciation week and spirit competition among member high schools. That competition will involve schools submitting videos of student sections exhibiting a combination of spirit and good sportsmanship.
At the Macon meeting, Michael told of one speaker, a Division 1 referee, who encouraged the young people to consider a similar course when their high school careers are over.
The committee will now meet quarterly via zoom.
Michael was chosen for the honor based on his nomination and an essay he wrote. He said the essay covered his qualifications including soccer, honors classes, participation in HOSA, a club of future health professionals, and his work as a volunteer student trainer.
York praised Michael for his enthusiasm to join the GHSA committee. She told how, “He came, he looked me in the eyes, he introduced himself and asked for a letter of recommendation.”
It was impressive “for a young man to come find me, talk to me,” York said, when so many people today, young and old alike, regularly result to text messages and emails.
York said, watching him mentor other students as a student athletic trainer, he is always positive as he puts in a lot of volunteer hours.
“He’s one of those kids that you’re proud to have at your school,” she said.
Michael is the son of Perian and Jonathan Michael.