Lila Claire Best and Ian Joseph were honored as the XL212 Student-Athletes of the Month (SAM Award) at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce January Eggs & Enterprise Breakfast Tuesday, January 20, 2015. The SAM award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of deserving Student-Athletes in the greater North Fulton area. Winners are chosen from nominations made by area Athletic Directors and coaches, and based on extraordinary academic proficiency, exceptional athletic accomplishments, and dedication to civic action.
Lila Claire Best, a senior swimmer from Riverwood International Charter School, was named the Female Student-Athlete of the Month for January. As shown above, Lila Claire has recently signed to swim with the US Naval Academy.
Academically, Lila Claire achieves a 3.7 GPA while carrying a STEM load (calculus, physics). She ranks in the 20% of her high school class and has consistently maintained her Honor Roll status throughout her entire high school career.
She is the 2015 Fulton County Championship high point winner, a 3 time Scholastic All-American swimmer, a 2 time Northside Neighbor Athlete of the week, and Captain of the Stingray swim club. Additional athletic accomplishments include Junior National Qualifier, Gold and Platinum USA Swimming point winner and is ranked 3rd in Georgia on the Collegeswimming.com recruiting website.
Lila Claire is active in the Beta Club, Interact Club, Stringray Community Service as well as Vice President of the Chinese Club.
When asked what sets this student leader apart from her peers, Coach Brent Pease said, “There is not anyone that I have coached that puts forth the effort in both practice and in meets like she does. There are certain people that just “get it” when it comes to winning races. She understands what it takes to get to the wall first and knows what needs to be done in order to do so. It is a true pleasure to watch her compete. Her attitude and work ethic carry over to the classroom, only adding to what is an incredible person.”
The January Male Student-Athlete of the Month is Ian Joseph, a junior basketball player from Johns Creek High School.
Academically, Ian achieves a 3.6 GPA and is a member of the Beta Club. In addition, he has been a member of the Young Men’s Service League for 3 years, serving a 2nd Vice Presidency during the 2013-2014 school year.
So far, in the season, he is averaging 10.6 points per game with 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists as well as shooting 88% from the free throw line.
Ian has helped raise money for Integrity Children’s Fund for the past 6 years through the organization’s annual walk-a-thon and has volunteered for the North Fulton Community Charities as a member of the Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2014-2015.
Coach Pete Goggin said, “He’s one of the most intelligent players I have ever coached. Not just academically, but also basketball wise. He knows the game as well as people who have been part of the game for several years. Because of this intelligence, he can see what is going on and adjust on the run. It is very much like having a coach on the court.”