WATCH REPLAY: Space Coast Daily’s Brevard County High School Sports Awards At Cocoa Beach Country Club

By  //  May 14, 2017

PRESENTED BY SPACE COAST DAILY

ABOVE REPLAY: Space Coast Daily’s Brevard County High School Sports Awards was held Friday morning to recognize the best prep athletes and coaches for 2017 in 17 sports during the annual “Breakfast of Champions” event at the Cocoa Beach Country Club.

CLICK HERE FOR BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS PROGRAM

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA — Space Coast Daily’s Brevard County High School Sports Awards was held Friday morning to recognize the best prep athletes and coaches for 2017 in 17 sports during the annual “Breakfast of Champions” event at the Cocoa Beach Country Club.

The 8 a.m. breakfast and ceremony recognizes the below outstanding high school athletes and coaches for 2017.

The Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at 6 p.m at the same location.

Space Coast Daily organizes and produces  both the Breakfast of Champions Brevard County High School Sports Awards and the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS HONOREES:

BASEBALL – Brady McConnell, Merritt Island High School
AWARD SPONSOR: Cocoa Beach Health & Fitness

Brady McConnell is a Senior at Merritt Island High School and posted outstanding stats during his career, including .372 / 3HRS / 24 RBIS / 21 SB – Senior year;  .490 / 3 HRS / 32 RBIS / 16 SB – Junior year; and .347 / 1HR / 12 RBIS / 4 SB – his Sophomore year. He has earned All Cape Coast Conference Player of the Year, Under Armour All American, Perfect Game All American and was selected to Team USA. McConnell plans on attending the University of Florida on a baseball scholarship next year.

SOFTBALL – Kaitlyn Jensen, Viera High School
SPONSOR: Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar

Kaitlyn Jensen had a .579 batting average, 8 HR’s, 13 2b’s and 33 RBI’s this season. She will be attending the University of Central Florida in the fall.

BOYS BASKETBALL – Romeo Crouch, Titusville High School
SPONSOR: Tom Wasdin Award presented by Jeremy Shulman

Romeo Crouch, a Senior, averaged 14.8 ppg, 4.4 apg, 5.1 rpg this season and scored 1,079 points for his career
. He is a 3-year varsity letter winner and team captain for the Terriers. Honors include FNLR Player of the Game (twice), Jim Clark Classic all-tournament team, All-Cape Coast Conference and FACA District player of the year. He will attend Presbyterian College on a full basketball scholarship.

GIRLS BASKETBALL – Sammi Streeter, Eau Gallie High School
SPONSOR: Tom Wasdin Award presented by Jeremy Shulman

BOYS BOWLING – Matthew Dashnaw, Heritage High School
SPONSOR: Space Coast Bowling Properties

As a freshman, Matt Dashnaw earned the distinguished MVP (Most Valuable Panther) award, setting a Heritage high game record with a 290 game which still stands three years later. During his Sophomore year, he went on to lead the Panthers to their 1st runner up and 1st State Tournament team appearance, finishing 11th. In the 2016 season, co-captain Dashnaw set another school record with ten 200+ games in a season, and a 228 season average. With a masterful performance at District 11’s competition, he placed 1st runner-up earning a solo appearance to the 2016 State Bowling Championship. His infectious desire to succeed contributed to three top players at District 11’s competition being Bowling Panthers. Dashnaw would prove to be in the top 16 bowlers at the 2016 State Bowling Championship drawing valuable life lessons from that experience. In 2017 he rolled his first sanctioned 300 game and would go on to win the 2017 Boys Singles Scratch Tournament for the second time in Brevard County. Dashnaw is awaiting acceptance to University of Florida’s Criminal Justice and Criminology program.

GIRLS BOWLING – Danielle Koehler, Rockledge High School
SPONSOR: Space Coast Bowling Properties

Danielle Koehler sports an impressive 4.35 weighted GPA, 3.9 unweighted, in the classroom. Koehler, a Senior, was District Champion her freshman year and finished in the top 25 bowlers in the state. Her sophomore year she was top 5 in the Cape Coast Conference (CCC), Brighthouse Bowler of the Year and Florida Today Bowler of the Year. In her Junior year, she was district runner-up, finished top 3 in the CCC, and top 8 in the State and was Brighthouse Bowler of the Year and Florida Today Bowler of the Year. This year, Koehler was CCC champion, District champion and individual runner up at the FHSAA State Tournament. She also led the RHS girls team to their first ever trip to the state tournament where they finished in the top 8. She was team captain and MVP for the Lady Raiders all four years of her high school career. Koehler has also been the Lady Raider team Academic Award winner for the last two years, and was the Wendy’s High School Heisman nominee for Rockledge High School this year. She has signed to bowl with St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA where she will be majoring in mechanical engineering.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY – John Cacciatore Satellite High School
SPONSOR: The Running Zone by Denise Piercy

John Cacciatore, a Senior, placed first at District, third place at region and fourth place at state. In track, he was the 1600 and  3200 conference champion. Cacciatore is a 2-time state team champion in cross country during his freshman and sophomore year. He is the president of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar with distinction, National Hispanic Scholar and National Commended Scholar. Cacciatore will be attending William and Mary on a track and field scholarship.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY – Amanda Beach, Melbourne Central Catholic
SPONSOR: The Running Zone by Denise Piercy

Amanda Beach is a Senior at Melbourne Central Catholic and had the best 5k time in Florida of 17:31 5k in 2016. Her awards and accolades include: Foot Locker Nationals Cross Country All-American, 12th in the nation; first All-American in Brevard County; 1st Team All-State; National Qualifier in track; State Qualifier in 2013, 2015, and 2016 for Cross Country; State Qualifier in 2016 and 2017 in Track; 2x District Champion in Cross Country; 2x District Champion in the 1600 for Track; 2x District Champion in the 3200 for Track; and 2016 Space Coast Cross Country Runner of the Year.Beach was the Valedictorian of her class and will attend Duke University in the fall and run cross country and track

FOOTBALL, OFFENSE – Bruce Judson, Cocoa High School
SPONSOR: 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center

Bruce Judson is a Senior at Cocoa High and led the Tigers to a state football championship in 2016. He had a big year in leading Cocoa to the championship as he rushed for almost 900 yards, passed for 1,163 yards and accounted for 25 touchdowns. During his prep career, Judson rushed for 4,244 yards, passed for 5,113 yards and scored 125 touchdowns. He is a 2-time MaxPreps All American, was a 4-time All-State performer and District Player of the Year. Judson will attend the University of Oregon on a football scholarship this fall.

FOOTBALL, DEFENSE – Matt Allaire, Heritage High School
SPONSOR: Cocoa Beach Area Hotel & Lodging Association

Matt Allaire is a Senior at Heritage High School and lead Brevard County last season with 150 tackles, 23 for loss, and 5 sacks.

BOYS GOLF – Calvin Sierota, Viera High School
SPONSOR: Savings Safari, In Memory of John Conrad, Steve Johnson

Calvin Sierota of  Viera High School won the invitational tournament at Hammock Beach, shot a 30 at the majors in a match and won Regionals at Duran. and finished 9th at state.

GIRLS GOLF – Dayna Owens, Cocoa High School
SPONSOR: Savings Safari, In Memory of John Conrad, Steve Johnson

Dayna Owens of Cocoa High School started playing golf at age 4. As a 7th and 8th grader, she qualified for the Regional Golf Tournament, and as a 9th and 10th grader, was part of a state championship team at Viera High School.
As an 11th grader, Owens qualified as an Individual to the State Finals, placing 12th out of 96 golfers. Her 9-hole average for the girls golf 2016-2017season was 37. In April, in Florida Junior Tour play, she placed 5th out of 40 at Viera East Golf Club shooting a 1st day 79 , and 2nd day 73.

BOYS SOCCER – Sam Leighton, West Shore High School
SPONSOR: Space Coast Daily Sports Talk

Sam Leighton of West Shore High School has been on the varsity soccer squad for 5 years and accumulated 41 goals and 20 assists. He was awarded both the MVP and The Wildcat award this year and played in the Brevard County All -Star game. He is attending and playing soccer at Florida tech next year where he will study Civil Engineering

GIRLS SOCCER – Keli Lindquist, Merritt Island High School
SPONSOR: Space Coast Daily Sports Talk

Keli Lindquist is a Senior at Merritt Island High School and scored 15 goals and had 15 assists last season. Her awards include Girls Varsity Best Newcomer Award as a Freshman, Girls Varsity MVP as a Sophomore, Girls Varsity MVP as a Senior, Team Captain as a Senior, All Space Coast 1st Team, FACA Senior All-Star Game and Brevard County Senior All-Star Game. Lindquist was on the Class 3A State Championship team, and was a 4-time District Champion and 4-time Region Champion. She will play soccer for the University of Central Florida and study Sports Therapy.

BOYS SURFING – Owen McAllister, Melbourne High School
SPONSOR: C & D Construction

Owen McAllister of Melbourne High School was a sophomore this year and joined the Melbourne High School Surf Team last year as a freshman.  He went to California last year for the National Scholastic Surfing Association Championship and placed 4th in the nation.  He is headed back to California in June to compete again in Dana Pointe, CA along with the other team members. Owen is currently ranked 5th in the 2016-2017 NSSA Southeast Explorer Division. He loves boating, fishing and surfing and plans on obtaining his captains license and becoming a boat captain after high school.

GIRLS SURFING – Taylor Madden, Melbourne High School
SPONSOR: Victory Casino Cruises

BOYS SWIMMING – Lucas Kravchenko, Edgewood High School
SPONSOR: Grills Seafood Deck

Lucas Kravchenko is a Sophomore at Edgewood High School and made the finals at state for 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. He is a 3-time All-County Swimmer, Club Age-Group Swimmer of the Year and a 5-time Florida Swimming (club) state finalist.

GIRLS SWIMMING – Adrianna DeBoer, Cocoa Beach High School
SPONSOR: Grills Seafood Deck

Adrianna DeBoer is a Senior at Cocoa Beach High School.  During her outstanding prep career, here awards and honors include: Freshman Year (2013-2014) – 1st place 100 breast and 200IM at districts, 4th place 100 breast and 6th place 200IM at regionals, 19th place 100 breaststroke at Class 1A State; Sophomore Year (2014-2015) – 1st place 100 breast and 200IM at districts, 2nd place 100 breast and 4th place 200IM at regionals, 7th place 100 breast and 15th place 200IM at Class 1A State; Senior Year (2016-2017) – 1st place 100 breast and 200IM at districts, 1st place 100 breast and 2nd place 200IM at regionals, 3rd place 100 breaststroke and 15th place 200IM at Class 1A State. She was also MVP her Sophomore and Senior year and a National Honor Society member. DeBoer will attend the University of Florida College of Engineering this fall and will swim for the Gators.

DIVING – Sarah Rousseau, Viera High School
SPONSOR: The Buchanan Company

Sarah Rousseau is a Junior at Viera High School and last season was a 2-time State Champion in the 1-meter, and won the Cape Coast Conference, Districts and Regionals.  She was also the 2017 YMCA National Champion on 1-meter. Rousseau was selected the Viera High School Dive MVP and Florida Today’s Athlete of the Week.

BOYS TENNIS – Gabe Diaz, Viera High School
SPONSOR: Ocean Partners Hospitality

Gabe Diaz is a Sophomore at Viera High School. He was a Class 3A State semifinalist in Individual tennis and State runner-up in 3A Doubles with teammate Nico Fuchs.

GIRLS TENNIS – Sasha Belaya, Viera High School
SPONSOR: Ocean Partners Hospitality

Sasha Belaya is a Senior at Viera High School. She won the Class 3A State individual championship in 2016, State Runner-up in 2017 and 3A Doubles State Champion in 2016 and 2017 with teammate Izzie Diaz. Belaya is a 2016 National High School Tennis All-American and has signed a full athletic scholarship to play women’s tennis at the University of Illinois.

BOYS TRACK – Noah Mumme, Satellite High School
SPONSOR: Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill

Noah Mumme of Satellite High School is a 3 year varsity letterman in track, a 2- time State pole vault champion and school record holder in the pole vault at 15-feet-4-inches. He is also a 3 year varsity football letterman and co-captain, and was a wrestler placing fourth in the District. Mumme was a Student Leadership Rep and will graduate with a 3.5 GPA.

GIRLS TRACK – Destiny Charles, Cocoa High School
SPONSOR: Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill

Destiny Charles Classification : Sophomore 
100m 11.81 
200m 23.75
400m 57.58 

All times are the best in Brevard County. 
Anchored her 4×100 and 4x400m squad to a Cape Coast conference Championship. 
Anchored her 4×100 squad to a 3rd place finish @ the High School State meet. 
Placed 2nd in the 200m @ the state meet. 
Placed 4th in the 100m @ the state meet.

VOLLEYBALL – Lexy Denaburg, Merritt Island High School
SPONSOR: Dr. Roger Goudy, AAU Volleyball

Lexy Denaburg, a Senior at Merritt Island High School, was All Cape Coast Conference in 2015 and 2016, and
MVP in 2016. Her Club indoor team qualified for Nationals in 2014, 2015, 2016, and she was selected to the 2016 All-Tournament team at USA Indoor Nationals. Denaburg’s team finished 3rd in USA Division at the Indoor Nationals in 2016. Beach Volleyball Accolades include: AAU National Champion U15 Beach Volleyball 2016; Selected to be evaluated for the 2017 USA National Beach Team U17; 5th Place at U16 High Performance National Volleyball Tournament 2016; 1st at Beach n Boards Fest High School Volleyball Tournament 2017; 1st in U16 at Gulf Shores National Juniors Volleyball Tournament during NCAA National Beach Championships 2017; 1st in Tavares ESPL Beach Championships Dec 2016; 1st at USA Beach Season Kickoff Jan 2017; 1st at Junior Beach Tour  Siesta Key Championships Feb 2017; Selected to Florida High Performance Beach team 2016; 1st in U 16 at Junior Beach Tour Championships in Greensboro, NC April 2017; Selected to the 2016 All-Tournament team at USA Indoor Nationals; Team finished 3rd in USA Division at Indoor Nationals 2016; Currently ranked #13 in the country in U16 USA Beach Volleyball ranking system; Has finished 1st in 5 beach tournaments in 2017 to qualify for Rox National Championships, American Beach National Championships, NVL Rise National Championships, and Junior Beach Tour National Championships. Denaburg has committed to play Beach Volleyball at UCLA.

WRESTLING – Matt Cates, Palm Bay High School
SPONSOR: C & D Construction

Matt Cates, a Senior at Palm Bay High School, finished last season undefeated, winning 57 matches en route to winning the 2017 170 pound State Championship. He has signed an academic and athletic scholarship to wrestle for Southeastern University in Lakeland.

BOYS SCHOLAR-ATHLETE – Tyler Tatro, Titusville High School
SPONSOR: Coconuts on the Beach

Tyler Tatro, a Senior at Titusville High School, has enjoyed an outstanding career in both athletics and academics. In athletics he was: All Space Coast First Team for swimming and diving, Sophomore-Senior years; Most Valuable Swimmer Award for most points scored by an individual Junior and Senior years; State Qualifier, Junior and Senior years;  Cape Coast Conference Champion in the 200 freestyle and 500 yard freestyle; District Champion in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke; Regional Champ in the 200 freestyle; 9th place state finish in the 200 freestyle; Set new school record in 100 backstroke and 400 freestyle relay; State finalist in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke, finishing 4th and 8th respectively; Cape Coast Conference Champion in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke; District Champion in the 200 freestyle; 4th place state finish in the 200 freestyle; 8th place state finish in the 100 backstroke; Set new school record in the 100 backstroke; and won THS Water Dog Spirit Award for commitment to excellence in swimming. In academics, he was an AP Scholar with Distinction; Member of National Honor Society and Math Honor Society; and ranked 9th out of 339 in the class of 2017.  Tatro will attend Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts to study environmental engineering.

GIRLS SCHOLAR-ATHLETE – Jessica Matteson, Titusville High School
SPONSOR: Coconuts on the Beach

Jessica Matteson is a Senior at Titusville High School with an incredible 4.53 GPA. She was on the Varsity Swim Team for 4 years, and advanced to state all four years; was six time FHSAA State Medalist (all 4 years combined), 200 Free Relay School Record Holder, 200 Medley Relay School Record Holder, and the 400 Free Relay School Record Holder.  This past season she was Team Captain, Set the 200 Medley Relay School Record and the 400 Free Relay School Record, received First Place in conference for the 100 yard Backstroke, Earned three medals at State this year for the 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, and the 400 Free Relay. Awards and Accolades include Team Captain for 2016-2017, 4 time Scholar-Athlete, Cape Coast Conference All-Conference Team (4 years), Terrier Pride Award both junior and senior year, Swim Psyche Award both junior and senior year, David St. John Athlete of the Year for 2016-2017, 3 time school record holder, hold 6 FHSAA State medals, and I was named Titusville High School Female Scholar Athlete of the Year (2016-2017).

Matteson is a young lady with a definitive plan: “In May of 2017, at the age of 17, I will be receiving my High School Diploma, my A.A. as well as be recognized for my C.N.A. (Certified Nursing Assistant) License which I earned this past December. In the fall of 2017 I will be attending the University of Central Florida to begin work on my Biomedical/Premed Bachelor’s Degree. In May of 2019, I will have successfully completed the program and will receive my degree at the age of 19. Prior to graduation, I will have taken the MCAT in preparation for acceptance into medical school. In August of 2019, I will begin my journey as a medical student. Four years later I will graduate medical school with my M.D. at the age of 23. During this time of rigorous academic involvement, I plan to maintain all “A’s”, volunteer in Brevard, as well as hold down a part time job as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

BOYS LACROSSE – Austin How, Merritt Island High School
SPONSOR: Courtyard By Marriott and Residence Inn, Melbourne

Austin Howe is a 4 year letterman in lacrosse. He and the Mustangs won two district championships in 2015 & 2017 and making it to the 2017 Regional Playoff Game #2 (Sweet 16). Austin Face-Off wins this season 83% (216/260), 146 ground balls, 8 goals, 4 assists. His career 583 wins, 88 shots, 383 ground balls, 24 goals. He was selected to the 2015 & 2016 1st Team All-District, 2015 1st Team All-Conference and nominated for All-State. He was selected for the 2015 Team Florida All-Star Elite Team and competed in the National Hot Beds Tournament at the University of Delaware. Austin has been selected to the 2017 Team USA – Men’s Lacrosse Team to compete this summer at the Berlin Open in Germany with SAW (Student Athlete World Tours). Austin will be attending Florida Eastern State College to play lacrosse and then transfer to finish his degree and continue to play lacrosse at a higher level.

GIRLS LACROSSE – Chelsea Smith, Edgewood High School
SPONSOR: Courtyard By Marriott and Residence Inn, Melbourne

2. 11th
3. 87 goals and 6 assists in 15 games (.770 shooting percentage)
4. Two-time team offensive MVP, #3 in the nation for goals scored (according to MaxPreps)

COACH OF THE YEAR THE YEAR – Scott Carswell, Merritt Island High School
SPONSOR: Juice ‘N Java Cafe

Scott Carswell has been the Head Girls Soccer Coach at Merritt Island High since 2001. His record includes: Cape Coast Conference Champs – 2015, 2016, 2017;  District Runner Up – 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009; District Champs – 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017; Regional Runner Up – 2007, 2009, 2012,2013; Regional Champs –2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017; State Runner Up – 2006, 2008, 2011, 2014; and State Champs – 2010, 2017.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR – Tod Oas, Eau Gallie High School
SPONSOR: Cocoa Beach Area Hotel & Lodging Association

Tod Oas has been at Eau Gallie High School for 24 years and is part of the school’s Administrative Leadership Team.  Although he is not technically an administrator, he carries the responsibilities of one.  No one puts in more hours on campus than Oas, and it is rare that an athletic director is so in tune with the academic side of athletics.  He knows the grades of all the more than 450 athletes that participate in one or more sports at Eau Gallie each year. Oas runs grade reports weekly to stay in tune with each scholar athlete and began a required study hall two years ago that requires any athlete that has a “D” or an “F” to go to a study hall on Wednesdays.  If the athlete misses that study hall, they do not participate in practice or games that evening.  He would say that we still have a long way to go to eliminate at risk athletes from our campus.  His co-workers would say that he has brought the school forward and has saved countless athletes credits that would have otherwise been lost due to failing grades.  Oas is always willing to take on additional responsibility and has a great relationship with all Eau Gallie High stakeholders, and his dedication to the mission on campus is invaluable. He has been the Athletic Director for the last 11 years and coached in some capacity for 20 years. Oas was the head football coach at EGHS for 8 years, and has coached golf, weight lifting and women’s basketball.

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR – Jamie Bopp, Merritt Island Christian
SPONSOR: Victory Casino Cruises

Jamie Bopp of Merritt Island Christian graduated from Wabash College in 2003 and was a 2-time Wabash football team captain, and named a 2001 NCAA Division III football All-American. He started at MICS in the 2005-2006 school year and served as a history teacher for nine years. Bopp served as an assistant varsity football coach for nine years, was as an assistant varsity boys basketball coach for 2 years, was head varsity boys basketball coach for 5 years. Bopp took over as head varsity football coach in 2016.

He earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education in 2013 and was named MICS Secondary Principal in 2014.

“I get to serve at a Christian school on an island in Florida.  God is good,” said Bopp. “My wife, Mrs. Jamie Bopp (yes, we have the same name), and I have been married for 8 years and we have 2 beautiful daughters, Peyton (6 years old) and Ryleigh (4 years old).  My wife and I met on a blind date in 2006, which was set up by a mutual friend that works at MICS.  Mrs. Bopp is finishing her third year as a third grade teacher at MICS. The Bopp Family is blessed to be a part of the MICS Family.”

COMMUNITY SPORTS AWARD – Friday Night Locker Room
SPONSOR: 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center

If it’s about high school athletics in Brevard County, it’s got to be about “Friday Night Locker Room.” In their 19th year covering and broadcasting local high school sports, FNLR has always been about promoting youth sports in our county. The squad has broadcast games from one end of the state to the other – from Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee to Traz Powell Stadium in Miami.  They have covered nine state championship games over the years involving Brevard County Schools – and local teams have won all seven. But the FNLR crew has learned that covering winning championship games does not come close to other moments.

“With modern technology the way it is now, all of our games are now streamed online,” Wilson noted.

And the FNLR crew also works beyond the microphone – supporting charities such as Merritt Island alumni Clint Hurdle’s Prader-Willi Syndrome and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. At the conclusion of each FNLR game, they present a FNLR Player of the Game plaque.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – Dr. Joe Lee Smith
SPONSOR: Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar

The lessons taught by sports provide a philosophy of life for Dr. Joe Lee Smith, educator, advocate and mentor. The parents of this Cocoa native always instilled in him and his three siblings the importance of a good education and participation in sports. Smith chose baseball as his game, which helped him achieve his educational goals of a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University, where he made the team as a freshman, a rare feat. He captained the baseball team in junior and senior years. Without the sports scholarship he earned, there was no way Smith could have gone to college.

With a master’s degree in education, also from Florida A&M, and a doctorate in education from the University of Florida, Smith went on to do his parents proud. His alma mater honored his efforts by naming him to the university’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. As classroom teacher, coach, director of athletics, assistant principal, dean and provost during a long and distinguished career in Brevard, Broward and Dade Counties, Smith always strived to be a role model for young people.

In the sports arena, one of his first jobs was as head football, basketball and baseball coach, and also as athletic director, for Gibson High School, a black school in Titusville. Dean and provost of Eastern Florida State College’s four Brevard campuses until his retirement in 2000, Smith also served as executive director of the Moore Multicultural Center. Coaxed out of retirement, he is currently the executive advisor to the president and college ambassador at Eastern Florida State College. In honor of his commitment to higher education, the college’s board of trustees dedicated the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Teacher Center at the college’s Melbourne campus.

Among the roomful of awards he has earned through the years, is the Humanitarian Award presented by Onyx magazine in 2005. United Third Bridge honored Smith with the Taino Award for his efforts to advance the cause of the Hispanic community in Brevard County. Junior Achievement of the Space Coast inducted him into its Business Hall of Fame in 2006. Smith is also the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement/Living Legend Award of the South Brevard branch of NAACP. For 32 years, Smith has served Rockledge as a city council member. The list of organizations, which he has supported with his time and talent is long and includes Circles of Care, the Salvation Army, Space Coast Rolling Readers, United Way of Brevard and the Boys and Girls Club. The former Magnolia Street Park in Cocoa was renamed as the Joe Lee Smith Recreation Center in recognition of his work with the community’s young and old.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

The Brevard County High School Sports Awards will be held Friday morning beginning at 8 a.m. to recognize the best prep athletes and coaches for 2017 in 17 sports during the annual “Breakfast of Champions” event at the Cocoa Beach Country Club.