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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>Battery Creek High School (BCHS) Athletic Director Sarah Hayes has been named as both the 3A Classification Athletic Director of the Year and Region 8–3A Athletic Director of the Year by the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association.</p>
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<p>“I am so honored to receive this recognition for both myself and Battery Creek,” Hayes said. “This is one of the most competitive classifications and regions in the state, and to be named the top AD is very exciting. With this year being the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, receiving this award brings an even greater meaning.”</p>
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<p>In her tenure at BCHS, Hayes’s Dolphins have made strides under her leadership, in large part because of the coaching staff she has recruited.</p>
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<p>“Our coaches share a mutual long-term vision,” said Hayes. “We all want to ensure that our student-athletes are successful in the classroom and on the field/court of competition. Whether our student-athletes go on to play a sport in college, join the workforce or the military, we want to ensure they have the tools acquired through athletics to be successful.”</p>
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<p>This year’s motto “Turn the Tide” was voted on by the coaching staff as part of an initiative to change the perception of what it means to be a Creek student-athlete. “We’re fortunate to have well-rounded and hard-working student-athletes at Battery Creek,” Hayes said. “Our consistent emphasis on academic achievement and its connection to athletic performance is critical to our overall success as an athletic department.”</p>
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<p>Dolphins athletics continues to benefit from numerous positive changes, such as increases in the number of experienced passionate coaches and student-athletes who sign letters of intent to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level. This, coupled with an increased focus on academic success in the classroom, as well as extensive facility renovations, are just some of the forward thinking changes taking place at BCHS.</p>
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<p>“Sarah is passionate about building a program for long-term success,” said BCHS Principal Denise Lessard. “She has the energy and ideas to bring us to the next level through positive student-athlete experiences.”</p>
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<p>Hayes is a 2002 graduate of BCHS and was also named the school’s 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching, before becoming athletic director, Hayes coached the BCHS girls varsity basketball team.</p>
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