Gwinnett Daily Post

SUWANEE -- Sometimes, attitude is everything.

Two local high schools recently got accolades for exhibiting competitive sportsmanship.

It earned Berkmar and Duluth high schools recognition by the Georgia High School Association and Georgia's Electric Membership Cooperatives. Both organizations recently presented the Patriots and Wildcats with the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship award, honoring student-athletes and their supporters for a job well done.

Mike Emery, director of athletics for the district, said that the award "is not only an honor for the individual schools, but also recognition for the community as a whole. It reinforces the GHSA philosophy that 'students, athletes, coaches, spectators and all others associated with high school activities programs should adhere to the fundamental values of respect, fairness, honesty and responsibility.'"

The GHSA region secretaries selected winners based on the sportsmanship demonstrated by school communities throughout the 2011-12 school year.

Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Awards are given annually. The GHSA and EMCs have recognized school communities for exemplary behavior since 2006.

Bermar High was recognized within Region 8-AAAAA, and Duluth received the award from among its Region 7-AAAAA competitors.

According to its website, the objective of the GHSA organization is "promotion of education in Georgia from a mental, physical and moral viewpoint, to standardize and encourage participation in athletics, and to promote sportsmanship and an appreciation for and study of music, speech and other fine arts through Region and State competitions."