City of Stockbridge Mayor Ford Presents Proclamation, Gordon State College Bestowed With GSBA Partnership Commendation
By Karolina Philmon, GSC Marketing Manager
On Monday, Feb. 13, the City of Stockbridge issued a Proclamation to Gordon State College for the Club Football Highlanders and their 2022 National Club Football Association (NCFA) National Championship title. That evening GSC was also recognized with the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Partnership Commendation at the Henry County Board of Education meeting in McDonough, Georgia.
Mayor Anthony S. Ford presented the proclamation to GSC President Dr. Kirk A. Nooks at the Stockbridge City Hall Council Chamber.
“It was fantastic to recognize Gordon State College and Club Football Highlander’s championship win. No matter what sport, I’m proud to honor GSC and all their accomplishments,” Ford said. “I’m looking forward to checking the team out in play next year and in getting their championship status for the third time!”
GSC Club Football Highlanders began in 2020 under the leadership of head coach Kevin Adkins. The Highlanders won back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022. After the team’s 2021 South Atlantic Conference Championship win, the Highlanders contended for a national championship and became the 2022 NCFA National Champions after a 35-15 defeat over Ohio State University Buckeyes in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. NCFA announced individual awards to four Highlanders including Bowl Game MVP, Defensive POY, Assistant of the Year, and Freshman of the Year.
“Our players and coaches’ willingness to pursuit greatness using our Highlander Edge empowered us to win the school’s first National Championship,” Adkins said.
Adkins led the Highlanders to victory with the help of assistant coaches Christian Lane and Wayne Niles. Club Football Highlanders from Henry County include Michael Johnson, Mitchell Smith, Pacer Kincaid, and Isaiah Johnson who Adkins recognized for his outstanding performance at the national championship game with eight tackles and one interception.
The proclamation recognized and commended GSC for its lasting impact on their students and the community as well as cultivating an enriched and supportive environment that prepared students and continued their educational career through a variety of baccalaureate, post baccalaureate and professional degrees.
“We are so delighted when our partners acknowledge the accomplishments of Highlander Nation. Henry County and its cities play a critical role in our success. Therefore, this recognition belongs to the region as much as Highlander Nation. This truly is The Power of WE,” President Nooks said.
According to GSBA, the partnership commendation is a recognition program for local boards to use in honoring those organizations and individuals involved in supporting public education at the local level. GSC was bestowed with the recognition because of their support of program activities and contributions that carried out the mission of the GSBA. This mission was to ensure excellence in the governance of local school systems by providing leadership, advocacy and services, and by representing the collective resolve of Georgia’s elected boards of education.
