BY NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
CHAPEL HILL – Two John A. Holmes High School student-athletes — Morgan Nixon and Kaden Parker — were among those who received the 2024-2025 Heart of a Champion Award. Given by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, this honor recognizes student-athletes across the state who have demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, leadership, and community service while participating in high school athletics.
Each recipient represents the very best of North Carolina’s high school sports culture and exemplifies the values of integrity, perseverance, and dedication on and off the field.
The NCHSAA congratulates all of the 2024-2025 Heart of a Champion recipients for their outstanding character and contributions to their schools and communities.
Nixon and Parker were the only student-athletes in Northeastern North Carolina to receive the award.
A three-sport tennis, basketball, and softball athlete, Nixon has maintained a 4.25 weighted GPA while dual-enrolling at the College of the Albemarle. She has accumulated over 40 hours volunteering as a teacher assistant and is heavily involved in church and youth service activities.
A dedicated three-sport soccer, football, and baseball athlete, Parker leads by example and gives back to his community through Serve Day at church and mentoring youth through Cross Trail Outfitters.
