THOMASTON — The Georgia High School Association has honored Tift County High for its work on the fields and courts, but not necessarily because of their winning records.

Tift County is one of the GHSA’s Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award schools, joining seven others in Class 7A. Sixty-four schools were picked in Georgia.

“The award honors schools that demonstrated impeccable sportsmanship during the 2020-21 school year,” said the GHSA in its announcement of winners.

Robin Hines, GHSA executive director, stated it was “an honor” for schools to earn this award. “The characteristics of good sportsmanship are critical to the development of our young people as they transition into productive adults,” said Hines.

Other award winners included Cook in Class AA.

The Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award is sponsored by Georgia’s Electric Membership Cooperatives.