Character & Leadership Student Spotlight – Anacortes High School

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.

The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait.  This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:

Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Anacortes High School!

ANACORTES HIGH SCHOOL

PERSEVERANCE

Reese Morgenthaler (Anacortes)

Reese is a beautiful picture of perseverance (Grit) and Character.  She is a constant work horse on the field. Her teammates respect her and trust her because they see her working hard for them on and off the field.  She is a captain on our team and she reflects and demands integrity from herself and her players.  When tough decisions have to be made concerning integrity of the team and players, she chooses integrity over a WIN.  We do positive shout outs during practices highlighting play from games and behaviors that represent Love.Grow.Serve.Compete.  Reese was highlighted last week for showing good sportsmanship to one of the opponents players.  This player was being ridiculed by her own teammates.  Reese took it upon herself to encourage this girl and let her know she is a good player.  It is rare to find such a beautiful mix of Grit, competitive spirit and character.  

Gretchen Hanson

AHS Girls Soccer/Track Coach


INTEGRITY

Garrett Smith (Anacortes)

Garrett is the embodiment of perseverance and integrity on the Anacortes Football Team, showcasing a relentless spirit that has helped fuel the team’s success. In the face of challenges, Garrett stands out for his unyielding determination, and consistently pushing his limits. As a freshman Garrett lacked the mobility to run or get in a stance and to see him overcome his physical obstacles and become the leader of the team who has transformed his body to a level no coaches would have believed was possible. His commitment to perseverance continues as he drove 45 mins to 6 a.m. workouts and never missed a lift in his time at Anacortes. He serves as a driving force that inspires his fellow teammates to embrace a similar mindset, creating a resilient and united football family.Integrity is at the core of Garrett’s character, evident in his honest and fair play on the field. His actions speak volumes about his commitment to doing what is right and fostering an atmosphere of trust and sportsmanship within the team. Garett is the teammate he wished he had to his younger teammates helping them whenever he can and standing up for those who need it. Garrett’s moral compass makes him a dependable leader and a positive influence on his peers. The Anacortes Football Team, under Garrett’s influence, thrives not only in terms of athletic achievement but also in developing young individuals of strong character. Garrett Smith exemplifies the values of perseverance and integrity, elevating the Anacortes Football program to new heights and leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

Justin Portz

AHS Athletic Director