During Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, the East Duplin High School football team was honored for winning the 2-A Eastern Conference State Championship title. Several members of the football team along with head coach Battle Holley received a plaque from Duplin County Schools Athletic Director, Mr. Ken Avent. Mr. Avent commended the players on being a very special group of young men under the leadership of Coach Holley who ran a first class program.
Coach Battle Holley accepted the award and shared his appreciation of Dr. Obasohan and the Board of Education for all their support in the athletics programs and how that support contributes to their success. He went on to say, “This group of seniors here tonight is very special and have plans in place for the next level beyond football. It was a great year, it was our time and I’m so grateful that I was able to be a part of it.” The 9 seniors present at Tuesday night’s meeting had an opportunity to stand up and share their future plans after graduation.
Board members also commended the team on their recent achievement, and shared congratulatory words to the players. Ms. Pam Edwards, shared, “We’ve been trying to do this for 62 years. You are a very special team and I was so very proud of your integrity and your sportsmanship displayed. The way that you picked up the players from the other team and played together in the way that you did, makes us even more proud of you.”
Vice Chairman, Mr. Reginald Kenan commended the players for setting realistic goals for their life and shared how proud he was of each of them. “It’s very rare to be that young and know how you want to move forward in your future. You were blessed with supportive adults in your life that have helped you get here. Not every kid has that support, so don’t abuse that privilege and blessing God has given you. Take these blessings and go and dream big.” Following Chairman Kenan’s remarks, the players shook hands with each board member and took the opportunity to thank them again.
“On behalf of our Board and the entire DCS family, I want to congratulate East Duplin High School players and coaches for all they have accomplished this season. I want to thank all of our DCS coaches for all they have done and for being great mentors for our students. Coach Holley is an outstanding coach who has been doing this for many years and I have the utmost respect for him. Not only does he coach football skills, he coaches real life skills needed for student success beyond high school. He has coached through some adversity and because of that they are all stronger today,” said Dr. Obasohan.
