CHARLOTTESVILLE
Franklin High School is one of 29 schools to earn the 2015 Claudia Dodson Virginia High School League Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award. This award recognizes schools that have established policies and procedures which make sportsmanship a priority and expectation within the school and community. The recognition is the first in Broncos’ history.

“I consider this to be the Virginia High School League’s most prestigious award,” said VHSL Assistant Director Tom Dolan. “It’s the only award that the entire school is graded on.”

Selection of award winners is based on whether or not the school meets criteria which utilizes a self-assessment checklist relating to administration, coaches, student-athletes, cheerleaders, performance groups, student support, parents and spectators. Schools begin with 50 points, which is adjusted by deducting points for student-athlete ejections, coach ejections and inappropriate behavior at state championship events. A school must have an adjusted of score 45 or better to qualify for the award.

“It’s a great honor,” Franklin Athletic Director Dave Lease said of the award, which was named in honor of Claudia Dodson, a VHSL assistant director from 1971-2001. “It’s something we strive for and work together … We just try to control ourselves and establish sportsmanship with our coaches and our players.”