The Swope Rodante Vanguard Award Selection Board is pleased to share that Plat City High School Senior, Markese Hargrove, was selected as the “November Student Athlete of the Month.” The mission of The Swope Rodante Vanguard Award is to celebrate outstanding high school student athletes and coaches throughout Hillsborough County. Angela Rodante presented Markese with the award as well as a $1,000 check to be donated to the Plant City High School’s Athletic Department.
As a member of Plant City High School’s football team, Markese was nominated by his football coach Greg Meyer. Coach Meyer refers to Markese as “the heart and soul of [their] team,” and had made the First Team All Western Conference earlier in 2015. He was able to work his way into a leadership role by consistently outworking the competition, leading by example and caring for others. By having great attention for detail and hustle Markese made a noticeable impact on the football team as a whole. Throughout Markese’s football career he has achieved being an All Conference Athlete as a Junior, Football Team Captain, ran a total of 1,566 yards and has scored 12 touchdowns.
Additionally, Markese spends time mentoring his current foster siblings. Markese has been dedicated to community service through his work at his church, on his school campus by assisting faculty and staff and with community projects through Lakeland Ministries. Coach Meyer describes him as selfless and says that is what makes Markese truly special.
Markese has maintained an outstanding GPA of 4.8 throughout his high school career and hopes to pursue a BS in Computer Science, as well as play the game he loves, football, while in college.
REQUIREMENTS FOR NOMINATED STUDENTS
- The student athlete’s name and year (juniors and seniors only);
- Current overall GPA (GPA of 3.0 or above);
- Sport and athletic achievements; Community involvement;
- Any hardships overcome by the student athlete;
- and Plans for continuing education.
