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November 14 – Youth/Prep Weekly Award Winners

By lserpico | Published: November 14, 2011

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic, Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic, Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the Week of October 14.

High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic:
Bob Sphire of North Gwinnett High School located in Suwanee, GA has been selected as this week’s NFL High School Coach of the Week.

Each week of the season, the winner of this award will receive a plaque signed by Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school’s athletic department. The coaching staff will also receive Coach of the Week sweatsuits along with Coach of the Week t-shirts for members of the football team.

Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic:
The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the community winner is Cameron Sutton, a wide receiver/cornerback at Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro, GA.

When Cameron was asked, “What makes a good leader?” he responded, “A leader leads vocally as well as by example. He is basically a coach on the field/court. He can take control of any and every situation. He knows right from wrong. He takes care of his education before his sports. A leader takes his teammates to places they have never been before. A leader understands the responsibility behind the team and places the team first. He puts in countless hours of hard work and dedication to prosper and tags his team along, to bring the maximum potential out of the whole team. He knows he has no time to slack and give up, because his teammates will feed off of him. I think it’s very important to give back to the community, due to the youth looking up to me. They supported me coming up, so why not show them respect and the thanks that they truly deserve. The community will always be there, because that’s where you’re from. Giving back shows that you care and no one will be forgotten. They would great fully appreciate it.”

The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the state of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on-and-off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Youth Team of the Week:
The Youth Team of the Week is the Sandy Creek Junior Patriots, an 11-year-old team located in Tyrone, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth football teams around the State of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning team’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Cheer Squad of the Week:
The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Rockdale Cheerleaders, a 10-year-old cheerleading squad located in Conyers, GA.

This program recognizes outstanding youth cheer squads around the state of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $500 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.

Posted in Community | Tagged Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week | Leave a comment

November 7 – Youth/Prep Weekly Award Winners

By lserpico | Published: November 7, 2011

High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic:
Richie Marsh of Thomasville High School located in Thomasville, GA has been selected as this week’s NFL High School Coach of the Week.

Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic:
The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the community winner is Jay Dawahare, a quarterback at St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School in Columbus, GA.

When Jay was asked, “What makes a good leader?” he responded, “There are a lot of things that go into being a good leader. One of the major attributes would be caring about the people you are trying to lead. If you care about the people on your team and always ask yourself “will this help them”, everything else will fall into place. Another important quality as a leader is hard work and attitude. Whatever you demonstrate, other people will follow. This is why it is essential that you model the right way. Anyone can lead, but to be a good leader you need to lead people down the right path. We are all given talents and gifts. It is our job to share these gifts with all people, especially those in our own community. Giving back to the community through service and good works makes all of us better.”

Youth Team of the Week:
The Youth Team of the Week is the Northeast Packers, an 8-year-old team located in Columbus, GA.

Cheer Squad of the Week:
The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Mountain View Bears first grade cheerleaders, located in Lawrenceville, GA.

Posted in Community | Tagged Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week | Leave a comment

October 31 – Youth/Prep Weekly Award Winners

By lserpico | Published: October 31, 2011

High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic:
Jason Strickland of Lamar County High School located in Barnesville, GA has been selected as this week’s NFL High School Coach of the Week. This past Friday night, Lamar County defeated Greene County 51 -15 bringing their record to 9-0.

Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic:
The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the community winner is Joseph Scelfo, an offensive lineman at North Oconee High School in Bogart, GA.

When Josephs high school counselor was asked, “What makes a good leader?” she responded, “He is an amazing young man that has worked hard on and off of the field. His dedication to his academics are evident in his GPA and the rigor he has taken at NOHS. He is a positive mentor within our school that does the right thing and inspires others to do the same.”

Youth Team of the Week:
The Youth Team of the Week is the Milford Warriors, an 11 & 12-year-old team located in Marietta, GA.

Cheer Squad of the Week:
The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Atlanta Colts third grade cheerleaders, located in Dunwoody, GA.

Posted in Community, Uncategorized | Tagged Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week | Leave a comment

October 24 – Youth/Prep Weekly Award Winners

By lserpico | Published: October 25, 2011

High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic:
Franklin Pridgen of Wesleyan High School located in Norcross, GA has been selected as this week’s NFL High School Coach of the Week. This past Friday night, Wesleyan defeated Pinecrest Academy 42 -14 bringing their record to 6-2.

Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic:
The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the community winner is Jahkeem Forrester, an offensive tackle at Mount Zion High School in Jonesboro, GA.

When Jahkeem was asked, “What makes a good leader?” he responded, “A good leader is someone who is able to inspire his fellow team members to be better. A good leader is someone who is able to lead by example and to be humble when things are good and gracious when they are not. From where I come from, there is not much to be hopeful about. Giving back may inspire hope and truly make a difference.”

Youth Team of the Week:
The Youth Team of the Week is the Hapeville Hornets, a 5-year-old team located in Hapeville, GA.

Cheer Squad of the Week:
The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Peachtree Ridge fifth grade cheerleaders, located in Suwanee, GA.

Posted in Community | Tagged Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week | Leave a comment

October 17 – Youth/Prep Weekly Award Winners

By lserpico | Published: October 17, 2011

High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic:
Jarrett Laws of Charles Drew High School located in Riverdale, GA has been selected as this week’s NFL High School Coach of the Week.

To submit a nomination for Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic, please click here.

Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic:
The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the community winner is Blake Roberts, a running back/cornerback at West Forsyth High School in Cumming, GA.

When his Head Coach was asked, “What makes Chris a good leader?” he responded, “A good leader is someone who can lead by example, it is not always the player that can shout the most about what to do, it is the player that can line up each play and give his best and know that his teammates will follow and trust him throughout each and every practice, game and play.”

To submit a nomination for Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic, please click here.

Youth Team of the Week:
The Youth Team of the Week is the Ray Falcons, a 10-year-old team located in Cumming, GA.

To submit a nomination for Youth Team of the Week, please click here.

Cheer Squad of the Week:
The Cheer Squad of the Week is the fifth grade Lady Knights, a 10-year-old cheerleading squad located in Lawrenceville, GA.

To submit a nomination for Cheer Squad of the Week, please click here.

Posted in Community | Tagged Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week | Leave a comment

2011 Falcons First Down for Fitness Program Visits Montclair Elementary School in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

By lserpico | Published: October 17, 2011

On Tuesday, October 11 the Falcons First Down for Fitness program paid a special visit to Montclair Elementary School in Atlanta, GA in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. During the visit, over 90 third through fifth grade students participated in participated in a Gatorade Junior Training Camp alongside Atlanta Falcons Players and Cheerleaders. This free football camp stresses the importance of proper football technique and promotes physical activity as well as proper hydration.

Atlanta Falcons First Down for Fitness program spokesperson, Wide Receiver Harry Douglas, was on hand to stress the importance of physical activity and eating healthy. Douglas was joined by Rafael Bush, Joe Hawley, Mike Johnson and Jose Valdez. The players and cheerleaders were on hand to assist with coaching the children through the various stations and teaching them different football techniques.

Falcons First Down for Fitness is a three-month program (September 1 thru November 25, 2011) designed to challenge third through seventh grade students throughout the state of Georgia to participate in fitness activities, eat healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle. This incentive-based program rewards participants for being active five days a week for at least 60 minutes a day. The Falcons First Down for Fitness program is at an all-time with over 45,000 students from all across the state of Georgia. The Falcons continue to be one of the leaders in the League with the NFL Play 60 movement.

Posted in Community | Tagged First Down For Fitness, Gatorade Junior Training Camp, Harry Douglas, joe hawley, Jose Valdez, mike johnson, rafael bush | Leave a comment

October 10 – Youth/Prep Weekly Award Winners

By lserpico | Published: October 10, 2011

High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic:

Bobby Johns of Bacon County High School located in Alma, GA has been selected as this week’s NFL High School Coach of the Week. This past Friday night, Bacon County defeated Telfair 21-0 bringing their record to 5-1.

To submit a nomination for Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic, please click here.

Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic:

The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community winner is Trent Van Pelt, an offensive/defensive lineman at Fellowship Christian High School in Roswell, GA.

When his Head Coach was asked, “What makes Chris a good leader?” he responded, “Someone who gives only for the good of others while striving to teach others the meaning of serving. Being a servant leader allows me to not only serve those in need but also teach others how to serve the less fortunate.”

To submit a nomination for Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic, please click here.

Youth Team of the Week:

The Youth Team of the Week is the Archer Tigers, an eight-year-old team located in Loganville, GA.

To submit a nomination for Youth Team of the Week, please click here.

Cheer Squad of the Week:

The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Midway Wildcats, a 12 & under cheerleading squad located in Atlanta, GA.

To submit a nomination for Cheer Squad of the Week, please click here.

Posted in Community, Uncategorized | Tagged Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week | Leave a comment

Falcons Honor Breast Cancer Survivors at 3rd Annual Dazzle and Dine

By lserpico | Published: October 5, 2011

On Tuesday, October 4, the Atlanta Falcons hosted the 3rd annual Dazzle and Dine event to honor five breast cancer survivors. The five ladies were treated to a little “Dazzle” at Jamison Shaw Hairdressers and then “Dined” at Wildfire Perimeter. Each of the ladies honored is an active participant in her community and a courageous steward in raising awareness for breast cancer.

The 2011 Dazzle and Dine winners were: Janet Beebe, Trudy Davies Davis, Greta Samuels, Teresa Seitz and Janice Weaver. The ladies started the day off with a head-to-toe pampering at Jamison Shaw Hairdressers, where they each received hair, make-up and nail services. Following their “dazzle”, the ladies were escorted by a limousine provided by Cooper-Atlanta to dinner at Wildfire Perimeter, where they were greeted by a guest of their choice and Atlanta Falcons players Jonathan Babineaux, Sam Baker, Thomas DeCoud, Dominique Franks, Peria Jerry, Reggie Kelly, William Moore, Christopher Owens, Corey Peters, Will Svitek and Joe Zelenka. Sam Baker, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, addressed the group and spoke about the importance of raising awareness for breast cancer and recognizing the ladies for their efforts. In addition, Reggie Kelly provided an inspirational message about the courage of the ladies.

The ladies each received a gift basket of pink Falcons apparel and four tickets with sideline passes to the October 9 Falcons game where they will be honored during an on-field presentation. The Atlanta Falcons and NFL Partnership Fund will also be providing a local non-profit breast cancer awareness organization of the winner’s choice with a $1,000 grant in their name.

Many people had a hand in making Dine and Dazzle a huge success. The ladies received complementary gifts and services from Jamison Shaw Hairdressers and Cooper-Atlanta.

Posted in Community | Tagged Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Christopher Owens, corey peters, dominique franks, Joe Zelenka, Jonathan Babineaux, Peria Jerry, Reggie Kelly, Sam Baker, Thomas DeCoud, Will Svitek, William Moore | Leave a comment

October 3 – Youth/Prep Weekly Award Winners

By lserpico | Published: October 3, 2011

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 High School Coach of the Week and Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic, as well as the Youth Team of the Week and Cheer Squad of the Week for the week of October 3.

High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic:
Sid Maxwell of Lambert High School located in Suwanee, GA has been selected as this week’s NFL High School Coach of the Week. This past Friday night, Lambert defeated Forsyth Central 41-7 bringing their record to 5-0.

Captain in the Community presented by Russell Athletic:
The Atlanta Falcons Captain in the community winner is Nicholas Rea, a defensive end at Duluth High School in Duluth, GA.

When Nicholas was asked, “What makes Chris a good leader?” he responded, “A good leader is someone who is dedicated to what they are doing, and are willing to make the necessary sacrifices for that goal. They understand that what they want to achieve will not always be easy, therefore they have be determined to complete their goal and realize that some things must be given up. Giving back to the community is important because the community often times gives so much to a person. When a person gives back to the community, they are giving back and repaying the community for all the things that they have received in addition to it being the right thing to do.”

Youth Team of the Week:
The Youth Team of the Week is the North Henry Tigers a seven-year-old team located in McDonough, GA.

Cheer Squad of the Week:
The Cheer Squad of the Week is the Sequoyah Black, a 10 and 11-year-old cheerleading squad located in Woodstock, GA.

Posted in Community | Tagged Captain in the Community, Cheer Squad of the Week, Coach of the Week, Youth Team of the Week | Leave a comment

2011 Falcons First Down for Fitness Program Visits Dresden Elementary School

By lserpico | Published: October 3, 2011

On Tuesday, September 27 the Falcons First Down for Fitness program paid a special visit to Dresden Elementary School in Chamblee, GA. During the visit, over 125 third through fifth grade students participated in fitness stations alongside Atlanta Falcons Players and Cheerleaders.

Atlanta Falcons First Down for Fitness program spokesperson, Wide Receiver Harry Douglas, was on hand to stress the importance of physical activity and eating healthy. Douglas was joined by Christopher Owens, Garrett Reynolds and Eric Weems. The players and cheerleaders were on hand to assist with coaching the children through the various stations.