North Oaks Sports Medicine Recognizes December Student-Athletes

North Oaks Sports Medicine athletic trainers teamed up with North Oaks Physician Group orthopedic surgeons to select Brooklyn Giovingo, Richard Henry, Donovan Thibodeaux and Emily Waddell as Student-Athletes of the Month for December.

Brooklyn Giovingo is a freshman at Walker High School. She is a member of the varsity volleyball, basketball, track and softball teams. As a middle blocker on the volleyball team this season, she has achieved five blocks, six digs and seven kills. The 15-year-old maintains a 3.0 GPA. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Anthony Giovingo.

“Brooklyn is only a freshman and has already made such an impact on the Walker athletic program,” notes Head Volleyball Coach Nicole Dufour. “She will undoubtedly be the only female freshman athlete at Walker this year to letter in four sports her first year. She has a natural ability and a determined positive attitude. We have seen so much from her already but know that her best is yet to come.”

Richard Henry, 17, is a senior guard on the St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School football team. A member of Beta Club, he has 3.02 GPA. He played on the All-District team and is considered a leader by Athletic Director John White.

“Richard is a pleasure to coach and teach because he has a pleasant and positive attitude that makes nearly any work seem fun and interesting,” White shares. “He became the leader of our football team and led by example. He would generally lead the team in prayer before practice and games.”

Richard is the son of Dr. Richard Henry and Donna Henry.

Donovan Thibodeaux is an 18-year-old senior at Maurepas High School. The basketball team captain, he is a guard who has led in scoring with an average of 17 points per game. He maintains a 3.69 GPA and is a member of Beta Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He often mentors and reads to lower class students.

“Donovan is a very respectful young man, who is very active in all school functions and has the utmost respect from students and teachers alike,” comments Kenny Kraft, Maurepas High School principal.

Donovan is the son of Dorothy Thornton and Douglas Thibodeaux.

Emily Waddell, 16, is a junior at Ponchatoula High School. As a middle/outside hitter on the volleyball team, she has had 21 kills, 15 digs and two aces. She belongs to the Key Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has a 3.5 GPA. She is the daughter of Toni and George Waddell.

“Emily represents Ponchatoula High School both on and off the court with the utmost respect for her school, fellow teammates and classmates,” states Volleyball Coach Lauren Long. “Emily leads by example with her actions. She is always polite and very respectful. She thinks of others before she thinks of herself.”

Student-athletes are nominated by principals, coaches and athletic directors from high schools in Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes each month during the academic year. Candidates must: maintain a 3.0 GPA or better; excel in athletic competition; demonstrate respect for coaches, teammates, officials, teachers and other students and be active in school and or community organizations.

In May, North Oaks Sports Medicine staff will select male and female “Student-Athletes of the Year” from all monthly honorees for each parish. Nominations Forms are available online at www.northoaks.org/athlete and can be requested from North Oaks Sports Medicine at (985) 230-5248.