Chris Chestnut
Coach James E. Lockemy, Coach Allen Jacobs, and Coach John John Brigman were on hand to present the awards.
After initial remarks by Judge Lockemy, Dr. Richard “Dick” Alderman had the invocation.
Coach Lockemy presented honorary “Tenth Player” t-shirts to Randy Schilsky, Nazmy Khalil, and A.B. Jordan, III, in recognition of their assistance and contributions to the team.
Coach Lockemy then presented Mary Louise Parham and Clint Sullivan with a picture from the team’s recent trip to Washington. During the trip, the Justice Rangers visited Arlington National Cemetery and placed flowers on the grave of her husband, Sergeant Joseph Sullivan. The Rangers took a picture by the graveside and presented the framed photo to the family.
The Justice Rangers also recognized Christie Herring of the James Woods Travel Company with an honorary player t-shirt. Herring made the arrangements for the trip, including arrangements for a visit to the Washington Nationals field during batting practice to meet the players. Herring also drove a bus to Washington for the team when their first bus broke down.
Coach Lockemy then presented each player with a trophy indicating their participation and every 12-year-old player also received a plaque. The coaches also handed out gag awards including the Hulk award which went to Zack Wilkes and the Horse award which was given to Jackson Elrod to help him get to first a little faster.
Cooper Schilsky was given the Most Valuable Player award and Kobe King received the award for Most Improved Player. Cole Carroll received the Defensive Player award; Jacquez Page was named Most Dedicated; Kolby Watts was given the Pitcher Ace award; and Richard “Stretch” Alderman received the Ranger Award.
Elizabeth “Liz” Alderman received the Ranger’s Mother of the Year award, a beautiful crystal vase with “Best Team Mom” engraved in the base.
The biggest award of the night, the Benji Lester Scholarship Award, was given to Josh Sessions. The winner of the award each year receives $200 per year for college from the age of 12 until they turn 18. The scholarship must be used for post-secondary school or else it reverts back to The Ranger Foundation, but it can be deferred for four years for military service.
After the awards were presented, Elizabeth Alderman presented each of the coaches with a gift.
Coach Lockemy closed the ceremony with remarks about the team. He said that he encourages children to participate in the Kiwanis Dixie Youth program and with the Justice Rangers. In addition to their annual trip to Washington, DC, the Rangers are active every year in civic events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the September 11 memorial. Coach Lockemy said he always makes arrangements for the children to travel to school after the events without being tardy.
He also encouraged other players and teams to attend the Washington, D.C. trip. “For some, it’s the only chance they will get at a trip like this.” He noted that this was the 34th year the Rangers have made the trip.
Coach Lockemy added that the parents of the players have been very supportive of the program and always encourage their kids to go to college.
Lockemy also noted that the Rangers would be in attendance for the Veteran’s Day program, where Randy Schilsky will present items he purchased in New York on September 11, 2001, to the players.
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click the images below to view at full size!
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