In a presentation that included Mrs. Angela, Steve and Ken Dearing, wife and sons of the late Chatham County Athlete and sports celebrity Ashley Dearing, the coveted 56th annual Ashley Dearing Award was presented to Mr. Jesse Morrell.  This award, given to the Savannah student that excels and demonstrates the greatest versatility in three sports (football, basketball, and a spring sport), is the result of voting by local media and peer school coaching staffs.

  Jesse is a 2009 graduate from Bethesda and ended his academic career after winning the GISA 400 m track event, having received all region honors in both basketball and football, and was selected to play in the GISA all star football game.

  “Last year Jesse came in second in the track meet.  He said it was his goal to come in first this year.    That so represents Jesse.  He’s worked hard -- harder than most -- both on and off the field to accomplish his goals,” said Coach Antwain Turner in a post presentation interview.

  Jesse will matriculate to Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC on a full academic/athletic scholarship.  He is pictured above with the Coach Antwain Turner family (wife Petrina and son Jadon).  Jesse’s parents, Mr. Jesse Morrell, Sr. and Ms. Latrelle Morrell of Savannah, were also in attendance at the presentation.