Jenkins honored with Character Award

December 15, 2010

Datavious Jenkins never realized he had so much in common with Jay Bilas. 

Jenkins, a student at Blue Ridge Middle School, was honored on Tuesday night with The Greenville News  Character Award, during Potential Youth Foundation's Coaches 4 Character program. 

Bilas, an award-winning college basketball analyst for ESPN, served as the guest speaker for the event, held at the Redemption World Outreach Center. Bilas presented the award to Jenkins along with Blue Ridge Middle principal Becky Greene.  

During his address, Bilas challenged Jenkins and a group of nearly 500 students to concentrate on the importance of every task and to change their definition of a goal.

"Wanting to be a neurosurgeon or a basketball player or a lawyer -- those are not goals. Those are destinations," Bilas said. "Make your goal to get better everyday, and you will reach your destination."

"He has taught me a lot," Jenkins said of Bilas "to make a goal everyday and reach up for that goal."

Jenkins said he plans to embrace Bilas' message. However, Greene contended that Jenkins already has - by being a consistent hard-worker, volunteering his time for community service and carrying a permanent smile each day. That encouraged Jenkins' classmates to elect him for the award.

"It means a lot to me," Jenkins said. "I'm thankful that God has put me here to receive this award. I'm thankful for my peers and that they think of me as a leader."

Five Greer High students were acknowledged as Students 4 Character: Grace Cohen, LaBrian Shifflett, Lynn Phan, Robert Martin Jr., and Tori Graham. 

Christ Church Episcopal School quarterback Hunter Townes was recognized with the Steadman Hawkins Superstar Award, given for character and on-field performance. Townes led the Cavaliers' football team to the Class A Division II semifinals last month and finished the season with 62 touchdowns. 

The Potential Youth Foundations has held 14 Coaches 4 Character programs, welcoming prominent coaches to Greenville to encourage the area's youth. Over four years, the series has reached over 11,000 students, according to Potential director Greg Blatt. 

During Tuesday's program, Blatt announced that the next Coaches4Character event is scheduled for Feb 22. Former Clemson University running back and current Buffalo Bills rookie C.J. Spiller is slated as the guest speaker. 

By: Mandrallius Robinson -- Greenville News