North Oaks Sports Medicine Recognizes September Student-Athletes
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The North Oaks Sports Medicine staff and North Oaks Physician Group orthopedic surgeons have selected Kristen Favalora, Katelynn McKenzie, Andrew Shelton and Cole Stevens as Student-Athletes of the Month for September.
Kristen Favalora is a senior on the Hammond High Magnet School volleyball team with a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). She is a 4-year veteran of the volleyball team and current co-captain. Kristen has earned 13 service aces, 15 kills and 28 digs in seven games this season and also will receive Academic All-State honors this year, according to Head Coach Amber Babin. In addition to excellence in the classroom and on the court, Kristen belongs to the National Honor Society and serves others through her membership in Beta Club and Key Club.
“Kristen was chosen by her teammates as the varsity co-captain this year. This shows that her teammates think she is a great leader,” Babin explains. “She has played all 4 years of high school and has never missed a practice or game. We participate in several community service projects as a team, and she always arrives early and stays late to help without being asked. Kristen is hardworking, dedicated and determined in everything with which she is involved. Athletes like her only come around so often, and I am going to miss her very much next year.”
Kristen is the daughter of Leigh Ann and Charlie Favalora and a 4-year member of Medical Explorers Post 940, cosponsored by the Boys Scouts of America and North Oaks Health System.
From left: Hammond High Head Volleyball Coach Amber Babin, Kristen Favalora and North Oaks Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Kerrin Sitman.
Katelynn McKenzie is a junior at Walker High School, who maintains a 3.9 GPA. She is a starter for the volleyball team and earns an average of 5 service aces, 6 kills and 18 digs per game. She also starts for the softball team and belongs to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Walker High School Ambassadors. She is the daughter of April and Ricky McKenzie.
In nominating McKenzie for this award, Football/Powerlifting Coach Ross Levy notes her ability to excel as a student and athlete.
“Katelynn has been able to maintain a high level of academic excellence while balancing her involvement in sports and school organizations,” he shares. “As an ambassador, Katelynn assists in organizing school functions and helps incoming students adjust in their first year.”
From left: Walker High School Coach Ross Levy, Katelynn McKenzie and North Oaks Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Nate Borget.
Andrew Shelton is a junior guard on the Live Oak High School football team, who maintains a 3.5 GPA and dedication to his team in spite of obstacles.
“This past summer a large mass was discovered under Andrew's left eye,” explains Head Coach Barry "Tut" Musemeche. “Andrew went to St. Jude to have the mass removed, but in spite of surgeries and being under constant doctor's care, he has still taken every opportunity to be involved with the football team. Andrew has attended workouts he couldn't participate in, filmed practices and made himself available in useful and countless ways. He clearly demonstrates that leadership and being part of a team means more than playing time. Players and coaches alike are inspired by his example.”
Shelton also belongs to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Beta Club and Reach Club, which works with special needs children. Donald and Tusdy Shelton are his parents.
From left: North Oaks Sports Medicine Supervisor Jeff Schmitt, Andrew Shelton, Donald Shelton and Live Oak Head Football Coach Barry Musemeche.
Cole Stevens is a senior at Loranger High School and defensive lineman on the football team. He is described as a model student-athlete by Head Coach Sam Messina.“He is always the first to arrive and last to leave,” explains Messina. “His actions on and off the field make him a great example for his peers. He is always willing to offer a helping hand—even after a long day at practice.”
From left: Loranger High School Head Football Coach Sam Messina, Cole Stevens, North Oaks Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Whitney Adams and North Oaks Sports Medicine Supervisor Jeff Schmitt.
From August to April, North Oaks Sports Medicine staff and North Oaks Physician Group orthopedic physicians will choose a male and a female student-athlete from both Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes as “Student-Athletes of the Month.” Nominations are accepted from coaches, athletic directors and principals. Athletes must:
- excel in athletic competition
- have a 3.0 grade point average or higher
- participate in school/community organizations
- respect coaches, teammates, officials, teachers and their peers.
In May, North Oaks Sports Medicine Staff will select a “Student-Athlete of the Year” from all monthly honorees.
Nomination forms are posted here or can be requested by calling North Oaks Sports Medicine at (985) 230-5248.
