2008 Bootstrap Award goes to John Dover

John Dover, winner of the 2008 John Ewing Bootstrap Award, is pictured with his mother, Judy Mullinax, left, and Tedi Gibbons , who represented the Sprouse Class of Buford Street United Methodist Church at the award presentation. Eighth grader John Dover is the receipt of the 2008 John Ewing Bootstrap Award.

The award is given in honor of the late John Ewing, former Superintendent of Schools for Cherokee County, by the Sprouse Class of Buford Street United Methodist Church.

The recipient is chosen by the Ewing Middle School faculty and is in recognition of a student who has emulated the achievements of one who has "pulled himself up by his own bootstraps." Supt. Ewing's father taught him that anyone can do that if he values hard work and is willing to give his best. Supt. Ewing was one of the first in his family to be educated and though he died at an early age, his list of accomplishments were many, not the least of which was his interest in young people.

John is the son of Judy Mullinax. The Ewing faculty said in their recommendation of John for the coveted award, "There are lots of words you could use to describe this young man. He is responsible, charismatic, trustworthy and, like many students do, has surprised us with his advancement at Ewing. He is a compassionate, cheerful leader among his peers."

They added, "He has turned 'I can't' into 'show me how' which gave rise to learning far beyond the classroom books and papers. He demonstrates daily a willingness to work and succeed far greater than most of his peers. He has overcome the greatest obstacles, himself, and carries with him to Gaffney HIgh School a desire to do even greater things."

In addition to a certificate, John's name is inscribed on a plaque that hangs by Supt. Ewing's picture in the school's entryway and on a plaque in the Sprouse Sunday School classroom. He also received a $200 U.S. Savings Bond.