Hawkins to be honored by OHSAA District

New Richmond Board of Education member David Hawkins has been selected for the Friend of Athletics Award by the Southwest District Athletic Board of the Ohio High School Athletic Association in recognition of his 27 years as a volunteer at New Richmond High School.

David Hawkins

Mr. Hawkins, who has been a school board member for 22 years, has operated the scoreboard for varsity, JV and freshman football for 27 years; served as official scorer for boys varsity, JV and freshman basketball for 26 years; and started the New Richmond Middle School wrestling tournament and served as its director for 12 years.

In addition, Mr. Hawkins has been part of the www,newrichmond.localsportsradio.com team for the past five years, helping broadcast more than 50 football, soccer, wrestling, girls basketball,  and baseball events per year.

“Athletic programs can’t be effective without individuals such as Dave Hawkins who has a tremendous love and devotion for New Richmond Schools,” said New Richmond High School athletic director Doug Foote, who serves as a member of the Southwest District board. “This award is given to an individual who has served on a volunteer bases for a school district for 25 years or more and Dave certainly fits this category.”

“I am surprised and feel honored to receive this award,” said Hawkins, who is recovering from surgery. “I’ve never done anything for personal recognition, but hope by accepting this award that it brings attention to all the volunteers who help New Richmond.”

David Hawkins interviews Lions baseball players during a post game show.

One of those volunteers is Kevin Walriven, who spotted for Hawkins for many years at football games and has sat next to him at basketball games for almost 20 years as the scoreboard operator.

“If I had been asked to pick a recipient of this award, Dave Hawkins would have been my choice without hesitation,” said Walriven, who also serves of the New Richmond Board of Education with Hawkins. “I can only guess at how many hours Dave has voluntarily devoted to our sports programs over the past 30 years, but I'll guarantee that he is in a league of his own and New Richmond Schools are much better because of his efforts.”

Mr. Hawkins will be honored March 8 at 5 p.m. at Xavier University’s Cintas Arena during the Southwest District basketball tournament.

David Hawkns interviews  New Richmond athletic director Doug Foote during a NR Lions Sports Foundation event.