LaGRANGE — Diverse Power is proud to announce Troup High School as the winner of a 2015-2016 Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award, presented by Georgia Electric Membership Corporation and the Georgia High School Association.

“We’re pleased to recognize and honor schools that value, expect and demand good sportsmanship from their athletes,” said Wayne Livingston, president/CEO of Diverse Power, headquartered in LaGrange.

Diverse Power, along with other EMCs in Georgia, has presented the GEMC/GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award since 2006 to emphasize, encourage and reward positive behavior in athletics.

Five schools in Diverse Power’s service area received this year’s award, including Troup High, representing GHSA’s Class 4-A, Region 5.

“We believe in inspiration, relationships and success at THS,” said Troup High School Principal Chip Medders. “Receiving this award is a direct reflection of the core values that our school and community exhibit as a daily practice.”

Other area winners include Carver High, Jordan High and St. Anne Pacelli High, all in Columbus, and Pataula Charter Academy in Edison.

To be considered for recognition, students, athletes, coaches, spectators and anyone else associated with high school activities programs must display respect, fairness, honesty and responsibility before, during and after competition.

“The Georgia High School Association congratulates each of these region winners of the GEMC Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award for 2016,” said Gary Phillips, Georgia High School Association executive director. “These member schools have been selected by their region’s leadership for their efforts in the ongoing efforts to promote good sportsmanship in all GHSA activities and competitions. Good sporting behavior is critical to the development of all young people. It is a cornerstone for productive adult citizens and fans. We thank Georgia’s EMCs for their long-time support of this program.”

Schools like Troup High School have shown integrity across a variety of athletics, as well as many groups, including students, coaches, parents, spectators and officials. The sportsmanship award extends to anyone involved with athletic events, making the honor one that is shared by the school and the community.

Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Awards are presented annually by EMC representatives during fall athletic events and school assemblies to GHSA member high schools in 48 regions and six classifications.

Diverse Power is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to 35,000 accounts in Calhoun, Clay, Coweta, Early, Harris, Heard, Meriwether, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, Terrell and Troup counties in Georgia, and Chambers County in Alabama.

The GHSA is a voluntary organization comprised of more than 450 public and private high schools that strives to promote good sportsmanship and a cooperative spirit among its member schools.