On Monday, Nov. 10, Neighborhood Community Services (NCS), district representatives, athletes, parents and coaches all gathered in the atrium of the Fairfax County Government Center to honor Champions of Character: Members of the community who “go above and beyond in demonstrating good sportsmanship and character in youth sports” according to the nomination guidelines for the program. The award is given out to a male and a female youth athlete from each of the nine magisterial districts in Fairfax County as well as a parent and coach from each district. For athletes, this means showing respect, consideration, encouragement, fairness, and responsibility in all parts of the game, among other things. This year, LB junior Carl Moman received the male athlete award for the Springfield district.

“The Champions of Character awards are a unique and important opportunity to recognize students, coaches and parent volunteers who are positive role models on and off the field,” Springfield district Athletic Council representative and LB Athletic Boosters’ president Michael Thompson Jr. said. “Most of the time, fans look at the scoreboard to measure success. With these awards, our community recognizes the importance of sportsmanship, character, respect and citizenship.”

Moman is a baseball player who is a leader on and off the field, according to the athlete summary included in the event’s program. He plays for Dominion Baseball Academy as well as the JV Baseball team. He helps students in school who are struggling as well as in the community through various volunteering outlets.

“I am very humbled to be included with such a great group of athlete leaders,” Moman said.