Cobb Schools’ Athlete of the Week (AOW) program is a weekly recognition of male and female student-athletes performing at high levels in their sport, classroom, and school communities. The program is made possible by support from BSN Sports.

This week’s winners are seniors from McEachern and Pebblebrook. Hannah Tanya is a cheerleader for the Indians, and Jalen Irby runs cross country for the Falcons.

Hannah Tanya, Cheer, McEachern

Now in her fourth year as a McEachern cheerleader, Hannah is an invaluable member of the team. She exemplifies dedication and leadership and invests countless hours working with her fellow cheerleaders to ensure they are fully prepared, consistently bringing fresh material to the team. Hannah always goes the extra mile, often staying late to ensure everything is completed perfectly. She also maintains a 4.0 GPA despite many responsibilities and involvement in other clubs and activities, including the Student Council, Beta Club, HOSA, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, African Heritage Club, Spanish Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Sources of Strength.

"Hannah is our go-to person whenever something needs to be done with precision and excellence," said her coach LaDesia Scott. "She is dedicated, responsible, and highly reliable. She is well-respected by her peers, who respond positively to her leadership and guidance."

"Impressively, Hannah played a key role in founding the African Heritage Club at McEachern. She is hardworking and committed to everything she does and exemplifies dedication and leadership. The cheer team is proud to recognize Hannah Tanya as our Athlete of the Week!" concluded Coach Scott with a smile. 

Jalen Irby, Cross Country, Pebblebrook

As captain of the Falcon Cross Country team, Jalen leads by example, on and off the course. He recently placed first at the Birds of Prey meet, has consistently broken records, and set new personal bests in long-distance events in the fall and the spring in Track and Field. He is also deeply involved in the community, volunteering his time to mentor younger students. Jalen is an outstanding student and capably balances the demands of academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

"Jalen's dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence inspire his teammates to push their limits and strive for greatness. His presence on the team elevates everyone around him, creating a culture of accountability, respect, and unity," said his coach, Cherisse Thompson, enthusiastically. "He is the heartbeat of our team!"

"He represents the very best of our student body," agreed Pebblebrook Athletic Director Timothy Coefield. "His achievements in athletics are matched by his character, making him a role model for his peers. Jalen embodies the spirit of our school, demonstrating what it means to be a Falcon: Determined, disciplined, and driven to succeed. This recognition is well-deserved, and I am confident that Jalen will continue to achieve great things in the future, both as an athlete and as a leader in our community."

Well done, Hannah and Jalen! You are both inspirations to your classmates and perfect examples of what it takes to be an exceptional student-athlete. Great job supporting your Athletes of the Week, McEachern and Pebblebrook!