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OMAHA, Neb. – Twenty-two middle school female student-athletes were invited to the campus of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ to be recognized for their outstanding character. In cooperation with the Omaha Public Schools and the area parochial schools, CSM celebrated those students during halftime of Saturday's basketball game.

In the first year of the Lead Like A Girl awards program, every OPS middle school as well as Holy Cross Middle School submitted names for recognition. Each award winner is a member of an athletic team within her school, and has exemplified the Five Core Values of the NAIA's Champions of Character program. These values extend far past the field, court or pool and the young ladies recognized are also character leaders in their schools and communities. The Five Core Values recognized within the program are: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership.

"The Omaha Public Schools are supremely proud of our partnership with the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ," said OPS Athletic Director Stephen Eubanks. "The Lead Like a Girl campaign is a tremendous program which honors our best and brightest student-athletes for their effort, character and integrity. Our students, parents, and administration were delighted to be a part of such a first class event this past Saturday at CSM."

Seventeen of the 22 award winners were able to attend the recognition ceremony.

Award Winners:

Nayera AbdessalamÌý| McMillan Magnet
Zarah Blount |ÌýLewis & Clark Middle School
Elliott Brown |ÌýLewis & Clark Middle School
Jayla Cannon |ÌýMcMillan Magnet
Elle Christensen |ÌýDavis Middle School
Reni Cimatoribus |ÌýBryan Middle School
Madeline Gilmore |ÌýBeveridge Middle School
Amaya Gish |ÌýNorris Midddle School
Anli Gute |ÌýBuffett Middle School
Taeh Htoo |ÌýKing Science and Technology Magnet Middle School
Christine Kadaw |ÌýMorton Magnet Middle School
Katherine Kadaw |ÌýMorton Magnet Middle School
Karen Lastra |ÌýMonroe Midddle School
Breann Logeman |ÌýBeveridge Middle School
Tamyiah Nielsen |ÌýHoly Cross Middle School
Evelyn Ozuna-Cruz |ÌýNorris Midddle School
Lilliana Petersen |ÌýKing Science and Technology Magnet Middle School
Chaunessy Plater |ÌýNathan Hale Magnet Middle School
Denise Ramirez-Ayala |ÌýRM Marrs Middle School
Dana Salazar-Salacedo |ÌýBryan Middle School
Indigo Torres |ÌýRM Marrs Middle School
Mallory Williams |ÌýDavis Middle School