PASCAGOULA, Mich. (WLOX) – Eleven men and women considered pioneers in the growth of the city's youth sports programs were inducted into the Circle of Honor Thursday at the Pascagoula Sports Complex.
The group is praised for their selfless giving and unending passion for developing the youth of their community.
Shirley Mayhunter, daughter of the late J.C. May, attended with her two sisters. She remembered why her own father was special and a major part of the Pascagoula community.
“He was always interested in helping finance the fields and supporting them in coming here. My mom does that too, so we were able to accompany them as well. .”
Shirley said she still gets teary-eyed when she walks past the site of the stadium named after her late father, which has been demolished, but his father's legacy lives on at the Pascagoula Sports Complex.
“This complex is very nice and we understand the progress.”
Parks and Recreation Director Mike West said it is a blessing to see not only the honorees' legacy continue, but their love for the sport that creates community.
“To see the tradition passed down from their great-grandfathers, uncles and passed on to future generations, they go inside and see how it's done and then follow in their footsteps. ,” West said.
Families of many winners share that everything was done with one thing in mind – their children.
“I know our city cares about revenue,” Mayhunter said. “But I'm sorry, I'm watching kids. Having worked as an educator in the Pascagoula School District for 46 years, I love seeing kids be well-rounded. Even in sports. It doesn't matter if it's art or whatever, and grow into a leader in our community so things like this can continue.”
A plaque dedicated to each honoree now hangs outside the sports facility, a reminder of where it all started.
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