Bianca Peña of Granada Hills Charter High School has been selected as one of four Winter/Spring 2017 CIF Spirit of Sport Award Winners in California.
She is a three-year member of the Highlander’s softball team. She is also involved in her school as a member of the Senior Leadership Council, Make it Happen Club and Operations Gratitude Club. Additionally, she also serves as a camp counselor at her local recreation center and volunteers to service children in need with the Children’s Hunger Fund.
“Sportsmanship is not only respect, but it’s this exact inclusion that needs to be provoked in the lives of everyone,” Peña said. “Athletics have taught me how to deal with opponents with respect and appreciation despite the deep desire to win. Sportsmanship encompasses the ability to look at someone and not instantly judge them in order to grow with them, learn with them and respect them for who they are.”
“I regard Bianca as a very dedicated and hard worker on and off the playing field,” stated Granada Hills Charter Softball Coach Carolyn Gunny. “She is consistent in everything she does from start to finish. Coaching and knowing Bianca has been a fantastic experience for myself.”
City of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Supervisor adds, “I have never known anyone to be as dedicated, hardworking and as caring as Bianca has shown throughout the years. She embodies what it means to be a passionate individual who works harder than anyone else does and who helps those who are behind her. Bianca is extremely strong and carries herself with a type of charisma that has the potential to inspire others.”
Attached is the press release recognizing all four recipients-