Senior cross country and track runner Payton Godsey was honored on Monday, Sept. 25, at the Jim Staunton Champions for Character Awards Ceremony, hosted by the CIF-Southern Section.
The Champions for Character are awarded for “a commitment to leadership in upholding the CIF ideals of sportsmanship, integrity, positive relations, respect for diversity of all people, competition, fair play over victory, and a scrupulous adherence to the rules of sport.”
Godsey, along with 12 student-athletes, 12 coaches, five administrators, five athletic trainers and one member of the media were honored in Monday’s ceremony at the Grand Conference Center in Long Beach.
“Payton Godsey is, without a doubt, a Champion for Character on and off the field. She maintains the values of dignity, responsibility, and growth, which are imperative to an individual of character. Payton is hospitable in word and deed with everyone that she encounters. She has a gift of cultivating trust, respect, and belonging for members of our community. Payton consistently exercises humility by serving others and by taking ownership of her actions,” said OCS Head of Athletics Dr. Brad Cook.
"She is disciplined, coachable, and is always seeking ways to grow as an individual. Payton holds multiple records at Oaks Christian and has been recognized as one of the top runners in the state of California. In addition, she earned a national championship title this past school year. Her accolades are simply a by-product of her character and determination," he added.