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The ACE (Advocates for Character and Education) Awards is an annual end of the school year program at which 74 male and female character and education award winners from all 37 Greenville County middle and high schools are recognized and honored. The selection process, established by Greenville County counselors, focuses on identifying and selecting at risk students as award winners. These students quite often are true “Unsung Heroes” and are comprised of students who have overcome tremendous odds to achieve wonderful things in their churches, schools, homes, or communities but have not been recognized before for doing so.
Coaches 4 Character and Greenville County Schools partner, plan and manage the event which is all about the students and their character and education achievements. In addition to Greenville County Schools, Coaches 4 Character partners with the Greenville News, WYFF4, and iHeartMedia to honor these deserving students.
The featured speaker delivers an inspirational message to the award winners, congratulating them and encouraging them to set lofty goals and to pursue their dreams. ACE Award winners are presented with medallions, programs, photos, and gift packages.
The focus of the ACE Awards Banquet is totally on the students and showcasing their good deeds. It is truly an “evening to remember” for these 74 “Unsung Heroes” and their families.
Coaches 4 Character and Greenville County Schools partner, plan and manage the event which is all about the students and their character and education achievements. In addition to Greenville County Schools, Coaches 4 Character partners with the Greenville News, WYFF4, and iHeartMedia to honor these deserving students.
The featured speaker delivers an inspirational message to the award winners, congratulating them and encouraging them to set lofty goals and to pursue their dreams. ACE Award winners are presented with medallions, programs, photos, and gift packages.
The focus of the ACE Awards Banquet is totally on the students and showcasing their good deeds. It is truly an “evening to remember” for these 74 “Unsung Heroes” and their families.
Congrats to our 2022 ACE Awards Winners!
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Past ACE Awards Programs
May 10, 2022: Christian Wilkins
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Winners
“It was great to be able to give back and pour into the kids' lives in Upstate SC, an area and community where I was able to grow and develop on and off the field. It was truly a special time for me to honor those kids, who I believe have bright futures. I resonated directly with their journeys.” |
June 22, 2021: Brent Venables
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Winners
"It was my pleasure to be a small part of an amazing organization!!! Keep changing lives!! Thank you!" |
May, 2020
Winners
May 15, 2019: Dabo Swinney
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Winners
"I had a great time at the Coaches 4 Character ACE Awards. What an amazing organization!!! It was an honor to speak at the event and help support the recognition of so many worthy students. I am thankful for all the people that support Coaches 4 Character and making the event possible each year." |
May 18, 2018: Will Muschamp
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Winners
“What an honor it was to be a part of the Coaches 4 Character event this past year. Greg Blatt does an outstanding job with this organization! It was a great night honoring some amazing kids!” |
May 12, 2017: Tim Scott
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Winners
"As someone who grew up in a single-parent household mired in poverty with the odds stacked up against me, I have a personal admiration for the 'Unsung Heroes' honored at this year’s ACE Awards. Despite their environment, these students have chosen to push on and pave a different path for their futures. I am so thankful to Greg and his team at Coaches 4 Character for their commitment to our youth." |
May 17, 2016: Frank Martin
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Winners
"I can’t express what an unreal experience it was to be a part of the ACE Awards and Greg Blatt’s Coaches 4 Character organization. The doors that are being opened and the opportunities that are being created for young people are amazing. Kudos for caring about the most important group of people, our children.” |
May 19, 2015: Tim Worley
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Winners
"My experience as a Coaches4Character ACE Awards keynote speaker was, in a word, extraordinary. From the second we arrived in Greenville, my wife and I were shown first-class hospitality and professionalism. I'm honored and humbled to have been a part of this pivotal event honoring the "Unsung Heroes" in Greenville, South Carolina. I would do it again in a heartbeat." |
May 22, 2014: Bob Costas
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Winners
"My experience with Coaches 4 Character and the ACE Awards was first class. Everyone involved made me feel very welcome and made clear how appreciative they were of my involvement. Greg and his team do a terrific job planning and staging their programs - all with the students in mind. I enjoyed every aspect of my visit, including the charming city of Greenville itself." |
ACE Award Encourages Students to Give All
May 10, 2014
Award has reminded me how much a couple of words can mean to somebody, and now I take time to make sure someone knows that I am proud of the things they have done and the person they have become.
At nine years old I was diagnosed with Fibrosarcoma, a type of cancer that no one had any information on. However, thankfully, it wasn’t an aggressive kind and after two surgeries, I was free of cancer.
With that obstacle, though, came baggage. I was ashamed of my story. For years I didn’t want anyone to know what had happened to me, so I denied it even to myself. My sophomore year of high school was when my life turned around.
My social studies teacher, Marcus Drango, was leading the Relay for Life team for Hillcrest High School and needed volunteers to help. Even though I was still embarrassed about my story, I decided to go to his co-captain to tell her about it. She immediately asked me to help out.
At the time I was willing to do anything, but I wanted to do it as a student, not a survivor. Throughout our fundraising drive, I grew to appreciate the concept of what it meant to be a survivor.
Beginning my junior year in high school, I was anxious to help. One day, Mr. Drango asked me if I would speak in front of the entire student body at our Relay for Life pep rally. My whole life as a survivor I didn’t want anybody to know my story, and now I was about to tell it to every student and faculty member.
When I had to stop talking because my class of 2013 was chanting, “We love Jennifer”, it was clear that I had officially beaten cancer. The doctors may have removed it when I was nine, but it had still consumed me until that moment.
I was nominated for the Coaches 4 Character ACE Award because of what I did for our Relay for Life team. I never knew that the blessings of that day would continue to follow me a year later. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I will do anything asked of me, and I never expect anything in return. I was an “unsung hero.”
When my guidance counselor told me I was nominated, it was truly surreal. It showed that my hard work was noticed, even if it was only by one person that went the extra mile to say thank you. I asked over and over again who nominated me, but my counselor told me she had no idea.
As I was walking back to my seat after I received my ACE Award at the ceremony last May, I saw my Spanish teacher, Anna Cuyar. She congratulated me and told me that she was the one who nominated me. It meant so much to be surprised by her as I was being rewarded.
My experience was overwhelming and I wanted to share the joy I felt in being noticed. This year I decided to nominate a friend of mine. I have always looked up to her, as she truly is a prime example of an unsung hero. I nominated her because very few understand her personal struggles and the way she has overcome them. She deserves to be rewarded for everything she has accomplished and just like Mrs. Cuyar did for me, I asked to remain anonymous.
Winning the ACE Award has encouraged me to continue giving my all. Even though everyone may not see the amount of work and dedication I put into things, it only takes one person’s recognition to feel appreciated. It has reminded me how much a couple of words can mean to somebody, and now I encourage myself to take the couple of minutes to make sure someone knows that I am proud of the things they have done and the person they have become.
I am at Greenville Tech now, studying to be an elementary school teacher. The Coaches 4 Character ACE Award has already opened my eyes to techniques I can use in my classroom one day to make sure that deserving students are recognized for the good things they do. If I can put a smile on a child’s face by saying “thank you” for something they did, it is a great day.
Jennifer M. Slattery lives in Simpsonville, attends Greenville Tech and graduated from Hillcrest High School. She can be reached at slatteryjm@my.gvltec.edu.
Award has reminded me how much a couple of words can mean to somebody, and now I take time to make sure someone knows that I am proud of the things they have done and the person they have become.
At nine years old I was diagnosed with Fibrosarcoma, a type of cancer that no one had any information on. However, thankfully, it wasn’t an aggressive kind and after two surgeries, I was free of cancer.
With that obstacle, though, came baggage. I was ashamed of my story. For years I didn’t want anyone to know what had happened to me, so I denied it even to myself. My sophomore year of high school was when my life turned around.
My social studies teacher, Marcus Drango, was leading the Relay for Life team for Hillcrest High School and needed volunteers to help. Even though I was still embarrassed about my story, I decided to go to his co-captain to tell her about it. She immediately asked me to help out.
At the time I was willing to do anything, but I wanted to do it as a student, not a survivor. Throughout our fundraising drive, I grew to appreciate the concept of what it meant to be a survivor.
Beginning my junior year in high school, I was anxious to help. One day, Mr. Drango asked me if I would speak in front of the entire student body at our Relay for Life pep rally. My whole life as a survivor I didn’t want anybody to know my story, and now I was about to tell it to every student and faculty member.
When I had to stop talking because my class of 2013 was chanting, “We love Jennifer”, it was clear that I had officially beaten cancer. The doctors may have removed it when I was nine, but it had still consumed me until that moment.
I was nominated for the Coaches 4 Character ACE Award because of what I did for our Relay for Life team. I never knew that the blessings of that day would continue to follow me a year later. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I will do anything asked of me, and I never expect anything in return. I was an “unsung hero.”
When my guidance counselor told me I was nominated, it was truly surreal. It showed that my hard work was noticed, even if it was only by one person that went the extra mile to say thank you. I asked over and over again who nominated me, but my counselor told me she had no idea.
As I was walking back to my seat after I received my ACE Award at the ceremony last May, I saw my Spanish teacher, Anna Cuyar. She congratulated me and told me that she was the one who nominated me. It meant so much to be surprised by her as I was being rewarded.
My experience was overwhelming and I wanted to share the joy I felt in being noticed. This year I decided to nominate a friend of mine. I have always looked up to her, as she truly is a prime example of an unsung hero. I nominated her because very few understand her personal struggles and the way she has overcome them. She deserves to be rewarded for everything she has accomplished and just like Mrs. Cuyar did for me, I asked to remain anonymous.
Winning the ACE Award has encouraged me to continue giving my all. Even though everyone may not see the amount of work and dedication I put into things, it only takes one person’s recognition to feel appreciated. It has reminded me how much a couple of words can mean to somebody, and now I encourage myself to take the couple of minutes to make sure someone knows that I am proud of the things they have done and the person they have become.
I am at Greenville Tech now, studying to be an elementary school teacher. The Coaches 4 Character ACE Award has already opened my eyes to techniques I can use in my classroom one day to make sure that deserving students are recognized for the good things they do. If I can put a smile on a child’s face by saying “thank you” for something they did, it is a great day.
Jennifer M. Slattery lives in Simpsonville, attends Greenville Tech and graduated from Hillcrest High School. She can be reached at slatteryjm@my.gvltec.edu.
Deserving Students Recognized for Character
April 19, 2013
Each year approximately 71,000 students walk the halls of our Greenville County Schools, and many go about their school careers without ever being recognized with awards or accolades. That is about to change for 66 students in Greenville County Schools. Thanks to a partnership between Coaches 4 Character, a local nonprofit organization that emphasizes the importance of education and character development to at-risk students, and Greenville County Schools, two students from every middle and high school in Greenville County will be recognized for exhibiting strong character, academic effort and overcoming the challenges of life.
The first annual ACE Awards (Advocates for Character and Education) have been established to recognize these deserving students. Greg Blatt, executive director of Coaches 4 Character, has often referred to the recipients of the ACE Awards as “unsung heroes” because these students often go unnoticed in traditional accolades, yet they stand out with their personal character.
This school year, a process was established to gather nominations from the community for students in grades eight and 12. Nominations came in from teachers, parents, church leaders and community partners. Those individuals who submitted nominations described knowing these youth as an “honor” and a “privilege.” They strongly believed that their nominee epitomized what the award represents, an advocate for character and education.
This award is not a popularity contest, and does not focus on the highest GPA or an athletic accomplishment. Nominees were described as hard working, respectful and exhibiting perseverance. They are considered to be a role model for their peers and an asset to the school and community. Frequently, the nominees were viewed as approaching each day with a smile and a willingness to help others; regularly befriending new students and helping others in the classroom.
Many of the nominees have participated in community service and volunteer activities. Some of the nominees have overcome personal challenges in their young lives and strive to excel, even when the odds are against them.
When students were notified that they had been nominated for the ACE Awards program and were asked to complete an ACE Awards application, many were surprised and wondered why. Once they understood the reason for the nomination and what the award exemplified, the smiles began to appear, yet they were still unsure.
After all, these “unsung heroes” are not often in the spotlight. However, what they have accomplished in their short lives is just as important as the class valedictorian or the highest scoring athlete. These students are living their lives in a positive manner, day in and day out, regardless of the obstacles they face. They approach each day with strength of character, and exhibit a genuineness that has impressed those around them.
The ACE Awards committee at each school had the difficult task of narrowing down the applications to one male and one female student. Each of the nominees was deserving of this special acknowledgment.
When the winners were notified, all of the students who had been nominated were truly happy for those who received the final award, and they realized that each of them had earned a special place in their community by their positive actions and behavior. The hope is that other students will catch the spirit of doing something good and honorable, and will then exhibit strong moral character and hard work, despite their circumstances.
In the weeks to come, the finalists for the ACE Awards from each Greenville County middle and high school will be profiled in The Greenville News. Then, on May 23, at the Kroc Center, all 66 students will be recognized at the ACE Awards ceremony. These students are special in so many ways. It is a privilege to spotlight them for truly being Advocates for Character and Education.
The old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child,” has taken on new meaning. Community organizations and businesses have stepped up to provide what will be a memorable night for these special students and their families. The ACE Awards program is definitely something we can all be proud of because it honors the innate goodness in our youth.
-Written by Lynn Edwards and Jessica Fervin (Greenvilleonline.com)
Each year approximately 71,000 students walk the halls of our Greenville County Schools, and many go about their school careers without ever being recognized with awards or accolades. That is about to change for 66 students in Greenville County Schools. Thanks to a partnership between Coaches 4 Character, a local nonprofit organization that emphasizes the importance of education and character development to at-risk students, and Greenville County Schools, two students from every middle and high school in Greenville County will be recognized for exhibiting strong character, academic effort and overcoming the challenges of life.
The first annual ACE Awards (Advocates for Character and Education) have been established to recognize these deserving students. Greg Blatt, executive director of Coaches 4 Character, has often referred to the recipients of the ACE Awards as “unsung heroes” because these students often go unnoticed in traditional accolades, yet they stand out with their personal character.
This school year, a process was established to gather nominations from the community for students in grades eight and 12. Nominations came in from teachers, parents, church leaders and community partners. Those individuals who submitted nominations described knowing these youth as an “honor” and a “privilege.” They strongly believed that their nominee epitomized what the award represents, an advocate for character and education.
This award is not a popularity contest, and does not focus on the highest GPA or an athletic accomplishment. Nominees were described as hard working, respectful and exhibiting perseverance. They are considered to be a role model for their peers and an asset to the school and community. Frequently, the nominees were viewed as approaching each day with a smile and a willingness to help others; regularly befriending new students and helping others in the classroom.
Many of the nominees have participated in community service and volunteer activities. Some of the nominees have overcome personal challenges in their young lives and strive to excel, even when the odds are against them.
When students were notified that they had been nominated for the ACE Awards program and were asked to complete an ACE Awards application, many were surprised and wondered why. Once they understood the reason for the nomination and what the award exemplified, the smiles began to appear, yet they were still unsure.
After all, these “unsung heroes” are not often in the spotlight. However, what they have accomplished in their short lives is just as important as the class valedictorian or the highest scoring athlete. These students are living their lives in a positive manner, day in and day out, regardless of the obstacles they face. They approach each day with strength of character, and exhibit a genuineness that has impressed those around them.
The ACE Awards committee at each school had the difficult task of narrowing down the applications to one male and one female student. Each of the nominees was deserving of this special acknowledgment.
When the winners were notified, all of the students who had been nominated were truly happy for those who received the final award, and they realized that each of them had earned a special place in their community by their positive actions and behavior. The hope is that other students will catch the spirit of doing something good and honorable, and will then exhibit strong moral character and hard work, despite their circumstances.
In the weeks to come, the finalists for the ACE Awards from each Greenville County middle and high school will be profiled in The Greenville News. Then, on May 23, at the Kroc Center, all 66 students will be recognized at the ACE Awards ceremony. These students are special in so many ways. It is a privilege to spotlight them for truly being Advocates for Character and Education.
The old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child,” has taken on new meaning. Community organizations and businesses have stepped up to provide what will be a memorable night for these special students and their families. The ACE Awards program is definitely something we can all be proud of because it honors the innate goodness in our youth.
-Written by Lynn Edwards and Jessica Fervin (Greenvilleonline.com)