KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State junior men’s golfer
Jonathan Klotz (Columbus, Ga. / Columbus HS) was recognized at the 2013 Atlanta Area, Boy Scouts of America Peach of an Athlete Role Model Awards Banquet that was held on Tuesday (Mar. 26) at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta.
The event is sponsored by select groups of businesses and friends of the Scouting community and the purpose is to honor outstanding “Role Models for Youth” in athletics, academics, community service and scouting. The Peach of an Athlete Role Model Award is presented to athletes, both amateur and professional, who exemplify good character and achievement.
Klotz was one of 12 nominees for the award that is given to both a male and female collegiate athlete. Nekesha Whitaker a track athlete at Clark Atlanta University was the top female honoree, while Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray was the top male honoree.
“It was an honor to represent KSU and be recognized alongside so many other admirable candidates,” Klotz said. “The Boy Scouts of America is one of the best programs for youth today, and to be nominated for an award by them was a humbling and inspiring experience.”
In addition to being a consistent and valuable member of the Owls golf team, Klotz has excelled in the classroom, compiling a 3.9 grade-point average while majoring in finance. He was nominated to the Beta Gamma International Honor Society and was a 2011 Atlantic Sun Conference Academic All-Conference selection.
An active member of Kennesaw State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Klotz is committed to community service as he donates his time to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Golden Soldiers, Must Ministries, Habitat for Humanity and the Jr. Owls Reading Program.
“The Peach of an Athlete banquet was an honor for me to attend as Jonathan's guest,” Kennesaw State head men’s golf coach Jay Moseley said. “It is a special night that recognizes men and women athletes who are true role models to others. Jonathan has always been a well-rounded young man who truly embodies a student-athlete. I could not be more proud of Jonathan for this honor; he truly deserves it."
David Ratcliffe, former CEO and Chairman of the Southern Company, was the Bobby Jones Honoree, as a well-known distinguished citizen who exemplifies the qualities of responsible citizenship, and outstanding character as demonstrated by the late Bobby Jones.
The “Professional Award” is awarded annually to a well-known, successful professional athlete who exemplifies qualities of responsible citizenship and outstanding character. Champ Bailey, a defensive back for the Denver Broncos and former University of Georgia standout, was the professional nominee.
Kennesaw State is celebrating 30 years of intercollegiate athletics during the 2012-13 academic year.
