Congratulations to Jillian Swinehart and Skylore Roberson who were named Independent Bank Student-Athletes of the Month for May.  The award is presented to seniors based on leadership, academics, and athletics.  Each student-athlete now qualifies for a chance to win the Independent Bank Student-Athlete of the Year scholarship presented on senior night to one male and one female athlete.

Jillian is the daughter of Scott and Anne Swinehart and has participated in diving, dance, and track at IHS.  She plans to attend the University of West Florida, where she will major in Global Hospitality Management and dive for the Argonauts.  Jillian was nominated by girls swimming diving coaches Teri Babcock and Amy Fuller who had this to say about her:

“Jillian began diving her senior year.  In one short season she took her gymnastics training, applied it to diving, and with her hard work and drive made it the top 16 divers in the state.  She also broke the 11 dive record for the school which had been in place since 1998.  Jillian was heavily recruited and accepted a diving scholarship from the University of West Florida.”

Skylore is the son of Shawn and Steffanie Roberson and has participated in football (4 yrs), basketball (4 yrs), baseball (2yrs), and golf (2 yrs) at IHS.  He plans to attend Central Michigan University and major in Education.  Skylore was nominated by golf and football coach Chad Rhynard who had this to say about him:

“Skylore has been an athlete that has continued to grow throughout the four years that I have coached him.  This year in football he had one of the biggest plays of the year, blocking an extra point late against Lakewood, allowing us to kick a field goal at the end of the game to win.  Although the golf season was cut short, Skylore was engaging in the team meetings and looked to be a leader for the team this year.”  

Both Jillian and Skylore are 3 sport athletes who are not only successful in athletics but in the classroom as well, and serve as great role models for our younger athletes.  Congratulations to both of them for being recognized as the Independent Bank male and female student-athletes of the month for May.