Three former student-athletes from Bainbridge High School recently received awards from Albany State University for their stellar efforts in academics, athletics and service. The trophies were presented at the university’s sports banquet.

Senior softball player Vanessa Jones received one of the highest awards given to an ASU student-athlete. The ASU athletic department presented Jones with the 2013 RAM Award.

The award is presented to the student-athlete who exhibits school spirit, dedication, leadership and service to the community.

Jones served as the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) during the 2013-2014 school year. Because of her stellar leadership, she was presented with the first-ever Edythe Y. Bradley Leadership Award. She also received the softball program’s team captain award and the Academic Achievement Award.

Jones is a 2009 BHS graduate. A Criminal Justice major, she received her bachelor’s degree in May. She is the daughter of Gerald and Marie Jones.
Sophomore women’s basketball guard April Thomas was named the Offensive Player of the Year by the program. She led the team and the SIAC in scoring and ranked fifth in the NCAA.

During the season, she was named to the 2013 SIAC All-Conference team. She also received the Academic Achievement Award.

Thomas is a 2011 BHS graduate. She is a Criminal Justice major and the daughter of Sharlyn Smith and Lawrence Thomas.

Junior basketball guard James Lodman Jr. also received an award from ASU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He was given the Community Service Award for his outstanding service on campus and in the Dougherty County area.

Lodman is a 2009 BHS graduate. A Health and Physical Education major, he is the son of James Lodman Sr. and Cassandra Parris.