The
North Oaks Sports Medicine staff and
North Oaks Physician Group orthopaedic surgeons have selected Kristen Favalora, Katelynn McKenzie, Andrew Shelton and
Cole Stevens as Student-Athletes of the Month for September.
Kristen Favalora is a senior on the Hammond High Magnet School volleyball
team with a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). She is a 4-year veteran of
the volleyball team and current co-captain. Kristen has earned 13 service
aces, 15 kills and 28 digs in seven games this season and also will receive
Academic All-State honors this year, according to Head Coach Amber Babin.
In addition to excellence in the classroom and on the court, Kristen belongs
to the National Honor Society and serves others through her membership
in Beta Club and Key Club.
“Kristen was chosen by her teammates as the varsity co-captain this
year. This shows that her teammates think she is a great leader,”
Babin explains. “She has played all 4 years of high school and has
never missed a practice or game. We participate in several community service
projects as a team, and she always arrives early and stays late to help
without being asked. Kristen is hardworking, dedicated and determined
in everything with which she is involved. Athletes like her only come
around so often, and I am going to miss her very much next year.”
Kristen is the daughter of Leigh Ann and Charlie Favalora and a 4-year
member of Medical Explorers Post 940, cosponsored by the Boys Scouts of
America and North Oaks Health System.
From left: Hammond High Head Volleyball Coach Amber Babin, Kristen Favalora
and North Oaks Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Kerrin Sitman.
Katelynn McKenzie is a junior at Walker High School, who maintains a 3.9
GPA. She is a starter for the volleyball team and earns an average of
5 service aces, 6 kills and 18 digs per game. She also starts for the
softball team and belongs to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and
Walker High School Ambassadors. She is the daughter of April and Ricky McKenzie.
In nominating McKenzie for this award, Football/Powerlifting Coach Ross
Levy notes her ability to excel as a student and athlete.
“Katelynn has been able to maintain a high level of academic excellence
while balancing her involvement in sports and school organizations,”
he shares. “As an ambassador, Katelynn assists in organizing school
functions and helps incoming students adjust in their first year.”
From left: Walker High School Coach Ross Levy, Katelynn McKenzie and North
Oaks Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Nate Borget.
Andrew Shelton is a junior guard on the Live Oak High School football
team, who maintains a 3.5 GPA and dedication to his team in spite of obstacles.
“This past summer a large mass was discovered under Andrew's
left eye,” explains Head Coach Barry "Tut" Musemeche.
“Andrew went to St. Jude to have the mass removed, but in spite
of surgeries and being under constant doctor's care, he has still
taken every opportunity to be involved with the football team. Andrew
has attended workouts he couldn't participate in, filmed practices
and made himself available in useful and countless ways. He clearly demonstrates
that leadership and being part of a team means more than playing time.
Players and coaches alike are inspired by his example.”
Shelton also belongs to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Beta Club
and Reach Club, which works with special needs children. Donald and Tusdy
Shelton are his parents.
From left: North Oaks Sports Medicine Supervisor Jeff Schmitt, Andrew Shelton,
Donald Shelton and Live Oak Head Football Coach Barry Musemeche.
Cole Stevens is a senior at Loranger High School and defensive lineman
on the football team. He is described as a model student-athlete by Head
Coach Sam Messina.
“He is always the first to arrive and last to leave,” explains
Messina. “His actions on and off the field make him a great example
for his peers. He is always willing to offer a helping hand—even
after a long day at practice.”
Stevens has played football all 4 years of high school and belongs to the
Beta Club, Student Council, Spanish Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He is the son of Karen and Troy Stevens.
From left: Loranger High School Head Football Coach Sam Messina, Cole Stevens,
North Oaks Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Whitney Adams and North Oaks
Sports Medicine Supervisor Jeff Schmitt.
From August to April,
North Oaks Sports Medicine staff and
North Oaks Physician Group orthopaedic physicians will choose a male and a female student-athlete from both Tangipahoa and
Livingston Parishes as “Student-Athletes of the Month.” Nominations
are accepted from coaches, athletic directors and principals. Athletes must:
- excel in athletic competition
- have a 3.0 grade point average or higher
- participate in school/community organizations
- respect coaches, teammates, officials, teachers and their peers.
In May, North Oaks Sports Medicine Staff will select a “Student-Athlete
of the Year” from all monthly honorees.
Nomination forms are posted
here or can be requested by calling
North Oaks Sports Medicine at (985) 230-5248.