Watauga wins big award
From staff reports

CHAPEL HILL — Watauga High School has won the inaugural “Exemplary School Award” given to recognize the top overall school in the state determined by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, the North Carolina Coaches Association and the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association.

The award is based on the total quality of the school’s athletic programs, including the academic achievements of its student-athletes, success in athletic competition, sportsmanship, the scope of opportunities offered, the level of community interest and involvement and the facilities provided.

Watauga receives a banner and a $1,000 award for use in its athletic programs. Superintendent of Public Schools Bobbie Short and athletic director Lavell Hall accepted the award on behalf of Watauga.

In the background information submitted with the award nomination, Hall said “We are indeed proud of our accomplishments and the opportunities that we are providing for your young people. We believe that we have something special and unique at Watauga High School.”

Watauga has won the Wachovia Cup, given to the top athletic program of the Northwestern 4-A Conference, nine of the past 11 years. Watauga won or tied conference championships in football, volleyball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s cross country and men’s soccer.

The football team was the Western 4-A Regional runner-up the past two years, going 12-3 in 2007. The school fields 33 teams competing in 22 sports.