Since 2021, the GHSA Inspiration Awards have celebrated those who consistently exceed expectations—whether by inspiring student-athletes through their work or by setting an extraordinary example as student-athletes themselves. Nominations are submitted by peers, administrators, or coaches who recognize their remarkable impact. This year we have partnered with Piedmont Orthopedics by OrthoAtlanta to honor the following inspirational leaders.
Raylee Greeson
Senior at Coahulla Creek HS
Nominated by Jordan Tate
“Raylee inspires not only her team and her coaches, but everyone around her. Before completing her junior year, Raylee was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She started her very rigorous treatment in the spring which began the journey of wishing, hoping and praying. She faced every round of treatment with impeccable courage and continues to carry that with her every day. Shortly after completing her treatment, Raylee was back on the cheerleading mat, more determined and more amazing that ever. Read More
Maggie Norris
Senior at North Gwinnett HS
Nominated by Coach Hayley Garner
After fainting while at a church camp, Maggie fractured her jaw in five places. Not only was her jaw wired shut for over a month, she could no longer do what she loved: cheer. She was in constant pain, had many doctor’s visits, endured painful wires in her gums, and experienced major weight loss due to a restricted diet; all of it took an emotional toll that tested her more than anyone expected. But she was diligent in following her doctor’s orders, still attended every practice and finally after 3 months she was released to resume activities. Oftentimes teenagers struggle immensely with injuries that take them out of the sport they love; and, while this is also true for Maggie, she never once let the struggle win. Read More
Joseph Zetmeir
Senior at Charlton Co HS
Nominated by Coach DeMario Jones
Joseph is the perfect example of what it means- and what it takes- to be a true student-athlete. He brings the highest level of commitment, integrity, and drive every single day. He is relentless in his pursuit of excellence in the classroom, on the field, or within the school community. Joseph maintains one of the highest GPAs in his graduation class, all while juggling the rigorous demands of varsity athletics, extracurricular commitments, and leadership responsibilities. He never complains or cuts corners but leans into challenges with maturity, grit and a humility that is rare in someone his age. Joseph says, “At the end of the day, I’m just an offensive lineman. I live my life just like I play football- holding the line, helping other people be successful. ADs, Coaches, Teachers, community supporters." Read More
Jessie Arnold
English teacher and Cheerleading coach at Harlem HS
Nominated by Rodney Holder
In the summer of 2024, Jessica was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to her liver. At 35, with two young children, she was devastated. Despite exhaustion and frequent absences from school for chemotherapy appointments and scans, she did everything possible to keep life “normal” for her family, her students, and her cheerleaders. She wanted to show them that it is possible to do hard things, to be brave and scared at the same time, and to adapt, overcome, and remain graceful even in the midst of fear and anger. Since her diagnosis, Jessica has undergone chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and reconstruction—yet she has never missed a game or cheerleading competition. Read More
Rodney Gipson
Music technology at Dalton High School
Nominated by Ryan Richards
For more than 20 years, Mr. Gipson has inspired students through the art of music—teaching not only melodies and rhythms, but also life lessons in perseverance, respect, and believing in oneself. His classroom is a place of belonging, where every student is seen, heard, and valued. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he brings that same discipline, strength, and purpose into every area of his life. Despite living with renal failure and being a double amputee, he continues to show up and give his best—encouraging others and proving daily that no obstacle can stop a determined heart. Read More
Roger Jackson
President Central HS Booster Club
Nominated by Andre Taylor
Roger Jackson, an alumnus of Central High School in Macon, has dedicated his life to giving back to the community that raised him. After a successful career in the NFL, he founded the Motivating Youth Foundation, which provides afterschool and summer programs for local children. Through partnerships with various companies, he consistently supplies clothing, equipment, donations, and other essential resources to kids and families in need. He is also a strong advocate for all Bibb County schools, urging them to reinvest in the community that supported their beginnings. Roger has impacted countless lives across Macon and is known as a man who never says “no,” but instead says, “Let me see what I can do.” Read More
Kandice Mitchell
Senior director of Athletics, Drew Charter
Nominated by Mario Allen
Kandice’s journey is one that defies every obstacle placed before her. She is a stroke, heart attack and breast cancer survivor, yet has never allowed those challenges to define her. She has juggled the demands of being and adult athlete, leading multiple sports programs, mentoring coaches, supporting student-athletes, and shaping the next generation of leaders. She doesn’t do it for the recognition. She does it because she genuinely believes in the power of education-based athletics to transform lives. Kandice took a bold leap into uncharted territory to help change the trajectory of flag football on a global scale, contributing to the sport’s pathway to collegiate play and its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Kandice is not just an inspiration because of what she has survived, she’s an inspiration because of how she continues to serve, lead, and love through it all. Read More
Hannah Nabors
Teacher and Assistant Cross Country Coach, Armuchee HS, Girl’s soccer for MS team
Nominated by Dawson Wehunt, Leah Anderson, Brock Holley
In February of this year, Coach Nabors was involved in a devastating car accident that resulted in the loss of a portion of her leg. In the months that followed, the Rome and Armuchee communities rallied around her, raising funds to help provide a prosthetic leg and offering unwavering support. Despite the life-altering challenges she faced, Coach Nabors returned to what she loves most—teaching and coaching cross country at Armuchee High School. Her determination hasn’t stopped there; she is currently training for the Boston Marathon, embodying grit, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit. “She has been a HUGE inspiration to the runners in our community and portrays what it looks like to successfully persevere despite the circumstances around you.” Coach Nabors’ journey continues to uplift everyone around her and stands as a powerful example of courage, perseverance, and limitless strength. Read More
Dr. Rob Spencer
Teacher and Head Competitive Cheerleading Coach, Seckinger HS
Nominated by Wayne Brooks
After a childhood marked by homelessness, hardship, and a lack of support and guidance, Rob Spencer credits football for changing the trajectory of his life. He says the sport saved him from a path of impoverishment, despair, and instability. Football gave him a foundation to stand on, a family he could count on, and coaches who became father figures. He remains especially grateful for his high school coach, Jack Ashby, who taught him that “you are stronger than the things around you.” Years later, Rob has turned his experiences into purpose, using his background to positively shape the lives of young people as a coach. Kelli Poff, Athletic Director at Seckinger, shared: “He is one of the most decorated competition cheerleading coaches in the state, with 19 region championships and 10 state championships to his name. However, what truly sets him apart is his ability to build programs from the ground up. He has successfully established and led three different cheer programs, each time laying a strong foundation for long-term success. His ability to lead with empathy and fairness is a testament to his character.” Rob Spencer has now become the very thing he once needed most—a steady, guiding father figure—for countless student-athletes throughout his career. Read More
