By Brian Besch
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One of the area’s own was honored Friday for her abilities both in the classroom as well as high school competition on the north end of Polk County.
Corrigan-Camden’s Cammy Parrish has won the 2024 Dr. Audrey Young Athlete of the Year award. She is a dual-sport athlete with plans of furthering her education in the coming years.
“I was pretty surprised because I’m not used to being recognized by people,” the senior standout said. “I am really grateful and it means a lot to me that people support me as an athlete and took time to vote for me. We found out pretty early and posted a few times for people to vote for it. I am appreciative that people still took the time, because they didn’t have to do that for me. It just meant a lot.”
The 2024 award winner is well deserved, according to Corrigan-Camden athletic director Brett Ratliff.
“Cammy came to Corrigan ISD and has been a breath of fresh air,” he said. “She is a hard-working and hard-nosed athlete that gives us everything she has every day. She has definitely been a blessing to the school district and we’re excited for her to get this award. We thank Dr. Young for doing what she does in supporting high school athletics and that has been amazing for everybody in the surrounding area. For Cammy to get this is great for Corrigan-Camden ISD and it is obviously a testament to how hard she works.”
Parrish participates in softball and volleyball at Corrigan Camden, where she is a pitcher on the dirt and outside hitter on the court. She plans to make strides in both in hopes of playing at the next level.
“My plans are to try to play one of the sports in college and become a physical therapist,” Parrish said. “I haven’t decided (where I want to go), but probably somewhere close to home. I am a big family person, so I hope I can stay close.”
The program Dr. Young began this year has honored a student athlete each week throughout East Texas to spotlight the achievements of high schoolers.
“I’m a huge supporter of all activities for students, especially activities that enhance their overall well-being,” she said. “That includes athletics and, of course, agriculture. When I had the opportunity to sponsor the athlete of the week and really bring to the public’s attention the extra efforts that students make to stay healthy and participate in team activities and learn outside of the classroom, I felt it was important to support them.”
The importance of extracurricular activities is something practiced in her own household, as the state board of education member raised a few stars of her own.“Both of my daughters played sports and were in volleyball, softball, tennis and golf,” she said. “They both attended Trinity, so they played all the sports, including cheerleading. It is especially good to my heart for female athletes and to support them in their cause. I am glad they have the opportunity to participate and shine with their peers.”
Young’s state board of education area encompasses 11 different counties and 1.9 million constituents, so the opportunity to elevate the different schools, and especially smaller schools in East Texas, held special significance.
“It’s not just the academics and athletics, but it’s also the UIL activities and Honor Society and all the different social programs the schools offer,” she said. “Students don’t just participate in one program, they’re oftentimes in a lot of what schools offer.”
Young said she is excited to partner with Polk County Publishing Company in the coming school year to again highlight student athletes and their achievements.
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