LeMaire, Robinson Named Lovelady Athletes of the Year

Coach Jon Lowery Honored for his Service to LISD

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

LOVELADY – It was an emotional night in Lovelady as school district said goodbye to several senior athletes as well as longtime teacher, coach and Athletic Director Jon Lowery.

Lovelady Athletic Booster Club President Stacey Shupak opened the banquet and welcomed all the athletes, parents, relatives and friends in attendance.

Once Shupak finished with her opening remarks, she asked Pastor Jordan Johnson to come forward to provide the invocation. Following the prayer, the attendees were treated to a wonderful dinner of chicken or steak, prepared by members of the Booster Club.

After dinner was served, the first awards of the evening were presented to the athletes. Leading off the event was the presentation of the Jacob Howard Scholarship, presented by Coach Richard Gunnels and April Howard. The $1,500 scholarships were awarded to Jay Thomas Robinson, Makayla

White and Chad Fulgham.

Coach Lowery assumed the podium once the scholarships had been awarded and extolled the virtues of the athletic teams. He also introduced the members of his coaching staff.

Next, cheerleader sponsors Beverly Moore and Danielle McCullough introduced the 2018-2019 Cheerleading Squad.

As the banquet continued, the various athletic team members were introduced. Coach Emily McLaughlin introduced the members of the volleyball teams; Coach Jeff Rollo introduced the cross country and girls’ basketball teams; Coach Lowery introduced the boys’ basketball team; Coach Mike Falco introduced the softball team which is still in the hunt for a state championship; Coach Gunnels introduced the baseball team; and new AD Will Kirchoff introduced the golf, track and football teams.

Following the team introductions, Coach Lowery presented the male and female athlete of the year awards to Kaiden LeMaire and Jay Thomas Robinson.

The next presentations of the evening were $1,000 scholarships from the Booster Club. The scholarship recipients were JR Cousins, Chad Fulgham, and Logan Lowery.

Also receiving an award was Coach Lowery who was recognized for his 13 years of service to LISD. During his tenure in Lovelady, Lowery had served as a mentor, math teacher, head basketball coach, assistant football coach, assistant baseball coach and athletic director. Lowery had spent the previous 17 years teaching and coaching in Crockett.

Will Johnson may be reached via e-mail at [email protected].