Yesterday, Cox Communications hosted the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards in Macon-Bibb County, recognizing 27 students who have overcome extreme hardships in their lives. The Heroes were announced at a ceremony on Thursday, April 11 at the Bibb County School District’s Professional Learning Center in Macon.

“It’s always an honor for us at Cox to applaud these students and celebrate what an inspiration they are to their peers and school staff,” said Cox Middle Georgia market vice president Caryn Frey.  “They’ve overcome so many hardships in their young lives and still maintain a positive attitude. They’re true heroes and deserve their time in the spotlight.” 

The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school, due to their resilience in the face of adversity.  Whether they have overcome a loss of a family member, medical issue, difficult family situation or other hardship, they did so with optimism while continuing to encourage and inspire others around them.  

“The Cox Inspirational Student Heroes Ceremony is at the top of my list of events to attend each year. It provides an opportunity to honor amazing students who are heroes in their own right,” said Dr. Dan A. Sims, Superintendent of Bibb County School District. “I want to thank Cox for their work to highlight and provide a voice for these incredible stories of perseverance and overcoming obstacles from students who are doing some incredible things. This event is an example of true partnership – between parents and the schools, and the schools with partners like Cox – this is a great example of how partnerships strengthen and benefit our schools and community. I am so inspired by our students, who remind me that anybody, no matter what is going on in their lives, can overcome, persevere and be a hero.”

 During the event, Cox presented the students with a personalized engraved medallion and a certificate of honor.

Macon-Bibb County’s Cox Inspirational Student Heroes for 2024 are: 

• Alonzo K. Ford - Rutland Middle School

• Aubrie King - Rosa Taylor Elementary

• Bailey Smith - Alexander II Magnet School

• Cadence Carriere - Dr. John H. Heard Elementary School

• Christian Fuller - Westside High School

• Christopher Hudson - VIP Academy

• Demorrio Finney - Matilda Hartley Elementary

• Emanuel Booker - Heritage Elementary School

• Jakendra Johnson - Southfield Elementary School

• Jamie Amador Interiano - John R. Lewis Elementary School

• Jashon Royal - Vineville Academy of the Arts

• Jeffery Temple - Appling Middle School

• Kennedi Marie Ralls - Union Elementary School

• Keontae May - Veterans Elementary School

• Kingston Williams - Sonny Carter Elementary School

• Ma’Kaila Brabham - Hutchings College & Career Academy

• McKinlee Hall - Southwest Magnet High School and Law Academy

• Millie Hayes - Skyview Elementary School

• Nyla Howard - Northeast High School

• Prince James Lucious - Burdell-Hunt Magnet School

• Sarah Sherlock – Howard High School

• Sire Blake - Miller Fine Arts Magnet Middle School

• Storm Palmeter - Rutland High School

• Taylor Jackson - Central High School

• Thomas Burke IV - Springdale Elementary School

• Timothy Rivers, Jr. - Ballard Hudson Middle School

• Trevion Howard - Bernd Elementary Leadership Academy

• Vadhir Zelaya-Espinosa - Howard Middle School

The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program began 30 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. The program has expanded to other Cox markets across the southeast.  To date, Cox has recognized nearly 4,700 students from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Gainesville, Florida.