Two Warren County High School athletes were honored at the Middle Tennessee Sports Awards at Music City Center on May 26 with Peyton Manning serving as guest speaker. 
Larissa Lopez, who is an athlete on the WCHS girls soccer team, was recognized with the All-Midstate Leadership Award. Isaiah Grayson, who is the starting quarterback for the WCHS football team, was recognized as Warren County High School’s Athlete of the Year.
Lopez and Grayson were chosen by WCHS athletic director Todd Willmore to represent Warren County at the awards ceremony and he was very pleased with their accomplishments.
“These are great honors for two very deserving young people and for both our school and community,” Willmore said.
Lopez was very shocked to hear her name called in front and reflected on what her thoughts were on winning the All-Midstate Leadership Award.
“It was an honor to receive the award. I was sitting by some friends I had just met at the ceremony and they had just won player of the year honors. I just kept saying to myself I’m not going to win.”
“I was so nervous but when I finally heard them call my name, it was a huge relief and an honor. The presenter didn’t allow me to say thank you to my friends and family but I want them to know that I thank them very much for everything they do,” Lopez added.
Lopez also reflected on how it was to meet two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning, after receiving her award. “He was a very nice guy. I really never realized how tall he was until I met him in person. He asked me what my future plans were and where I’m going to school and what my major would be. It was an honor to meet him.”
“I’m going to continue to be a great leader in the community. This award recognized me as a leader but it just showed me what I’ve done has actually helped a lot of people. It pays off to be a leader.”
Grayson reflected on what it means to him to win the Warren County Athlete of the Year Award.
“It was really great. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised when I got the call from Todd and I’m very grateful to have received the award.”
Grayson concluded on what he would take away from the experience of being at the ceremony.
“It gives me a lot of goals for the future but I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my family, coaches and teammates.”
Both Grayson and Lopez will look to continue to set good examples on and off the field this fall.