Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

The Kern Valley High School Fine Arts Building played host to the annual Spring Sports and Senior Awards night. Teary eyed parents, students and community members came to honor the achievements of Kern Valley athletes. The evening began with Principal, Dr. Jeannie Brachear giving her remarks, encouraging students by quoting the great Dr. Seuss, “Don't be sad that it's over, be happy it happened.”

The first awards were presented to Academic Award recipients, who all received medals. The following students received Academic Awards: Varsity Baseball – Cody Bulgarelli, Tyler Kaplan and Ethan Kennedy. Varsity Softball – Jamy Bulgarelli and Taylor Williams. JV Baseball – Kevin Little and Shane Russell. JV Softball – Rachel Krowel and Amanda Moreno. Boys Track – Jimmy Melby. Girls Track – Debbie Byrket, Sierra Hazard, Courtney Steinberg and Jessica Tyack. Golf – Eliyahu Kamisher and Chandler Snyder.

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The Most Valuable Player plaques were the next awards to be distributed. The following students were named MVP on their spring sports teams: Varsity Baseball – Kyler Emery and Ethan Kennedy. Varsity Softball – Kayla Evans. JV Baseball – Kevin Little. JV Softball – Krystal Puls. Boys Track – Sam Nang. Girls Track – Jenna Criswell. Golf – Brandon Heard.

The following players received the Most Improved Player awards for their sports, all of whom received medals: Varsity Baseball – Kevin Mixon. Varsity Softball – Shayne Villa. Boys Track – Rusty Muncy. Girls Track – Carla Morrison. Golf – Peyton Looy.

Senior athletes were honored for their many years of commitment to Kern Valley High School sports. Ethan Kennedy and Jessica Tyack received the Pat Mercier Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement. Tyler Gibson and Kayla Nevius received the Most Inspirational Athlete awards. Steven Powell and Denise Green received the Kenny Salyer Memorial Award for Sportsmanship.

Coaches Jimmy Thompson and Jacqueline Rowe received plaques for their great seasons as well. Jimmy Thompson's JV baseball team, which he claimed was nearly all freshmen, received a plaque for his run to the HDL Championship. Jacqueline Rowe's JV softball team, who finished league undefeated, received a plaque for her HDL Championship.

Jimmy Thompson also received a plaque for his 34 years of coaching baseball, football, track and baseball at KVHS. Thompson is retiring from teaching, but will continue to coach Kern Valley athletics.