FMHS nominates more than 90 for 3rd Roxys

CHARACTER

These awards are unique because it’s not about performance, it’s about their character, and with over 90 students nominated, it shows what kind of character is being taught at Fort Madison.”

Jeff Lamb, FMCSD Activities Director

FORT MADISON - Fort Madison High School held its third annual Roxy’s Awards Thursday night. The Roxy awards are an event to highlight student accomplishments, from the arts to athletics, throughout the year. The Roxys are a unique event, because they don’t focus on just the performances of students.
Athletic director Jeff Lamb describes its significance.
“These awards are unique because it’s not about performance, it’s about their character, and with over 90 students nominated, it shows what kind of character is being taught at Fort Madison.”
He also expressed the feedback from the community, and he hopes they see how special these students are, as well as the leaders who spend their free time helping with the students. The Roxy’s were originally started to support students and leaders.
One of the highlighted awards at the event was the Jon Lynk Spirit Award. This award is named in honor of Jon Lynk, a senior at Fort Madison, who embodies the Bloodhound spirit by consistently attending events and supporting coaches, students, and leaders. He brings a positive attitude and a contagious smile everywhere he goes. This award was presented to Fort Madison sophomore, Isaac Newton, who takes pride in being a Bloodhound. 
“What makes me proud to be a Bloodhound is the support everyone passes around. Not only that, but our school also helps many others in the community and supports more than just athletes; it supports everything else people do," Newton said.
Other awards handed out included the Best Moment of the Year, which was given to Mara Smith, a junior, who became the first female from Fort Madison High School to place in the state for wrestling. She recounts the excitement of placing at the state level.
“Being the first female to place at state means a lot to me, it shows that my hard work has paid off throughout the years. I am honored to have made Fort Madison history!”
Mara discussed her biggest inspirations that have led her to where she is now. Her dad, Ryan Smith, a former Fort Madison Hall of Fame wrestling coach, always ensures she achieves what she sets her mind to. 
The Roxy’s are a unique way to showcase athletes like Mara, and students like Isaac, who strive every day to become the best they possibly can, while doing things for their school and community. 
Other winners included Darius Foy, Brylie Lorence, Jackson Day, Lillian Gelsthorpe, Avery Rump, Olivia Buckner, Ethan Huffman, Noah Swigart, Allison Lamb, Katelyn Sissel, Lucy Arevalo, Jackson Guzman, Jojo Vincent, Dayton Lamar, and Kenden Bowie. 
Fort Madison Boys' soccer coach Kevin Wellman won Leader of the Year, the FMHS Art Show won the award for Most Exciting Event, and Jazz 1 took home the award for Most Outstanding Group.