June 3, 2026 — Cobb Schools athletic programs are a positive place to compete. This is proven again by the 2026 Georgia Positive Athlete Awards. In a ceremony held at the Georgia State Capitol, Allatoona High School was recognized as the Most Positive High School in the state. Additionally, individual awards were presented to Avery Shoplock from Allatoona for Girls Soccer, and Javier Soto from Walton High School for Boys Alternative – Racing.
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“This recognition speaks volumes about the culture that exists throughout Cobb County School District athletics,” Cobb Schools Director of Athletics Don Baker said. “We are incredibly proud of Allatoona High School being recognized as the Most Positive High School in Georgia, and of Avery Shoplock and Javier Soto being selected from among thousands of student-athlete nominees across the state.”
Allatoona received the overall award “after an impressive number of high-quality nominations throughout the year,” according to the press release. At Allatoona, hundreds of Buccaneer student-athletes participate in the Shop With A Buc event, which provides gifts and support to less privileged children during the holiday season, and groups of athletic leaders volunteer with students with special needs. These are just a few of the many examples that Allatoona earned the title of Most Positive High School.
Allatoona Athletic Director Chris Murray was thrilled by the distinction.
“This is a testament to the people we have here in the Allatoona community,” AD Murray said proudly. “The staff cares about kids and works tirelessly to support and instill a set of core values in them that will allow them to be successful in all their endeavors. The kids here work hard, do things the right way, and are willing to serve others. The parents of this community are so supportive of the school and the students, and are willing to do anything it takes for us to be successful. We truly have great people in this community who want the best for our school.”
Director of Athletics Baker has seen this in action.
“What stands out about Allatoona is that positivity is woven into the fabric of the school,” he said. “This recognition is well deserved because it reflects a program that understands the true purpose of education-based athletics. Championships and victories are memorable, but the character and values instilled in young people will last a lifetime. Their coaches understand that their greatest responsibility is not simply developing athletes, but developing future spouses, parents, employees, leaders, and citizens.”
Class of 2026 graduate Avery Shoplock is one of the student servant leaders who benefited from that culture and also helped Allatoona achieve its award. Avery was recognized as Georgia's Most Positive Athlete from Girls Soccer. She had an outstanding soccer career with the Buccaneers, winning four Region Championships, while also earning a 4.3 GPA and accumulating hundreds of community service hours. In her senior year, she also served as the Allatoona Navy JROTC program Commanding Officer. Continuing her commitment to an unselfish, greater cause, Avery will attend the United States Naval Academy to become a Naval Officer and pilot.
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“Avery is the definition of an elite human being,” AD Murray insisted before unveiling a long list of her awards. “However, her accomplishments are not what make her elite. It is the character behind them. Everything she does is done with integrity and respect, and she looks for ways to serve others. One of the most amazing things about her is that she is one of the most humble people you will ever meet. She is truly a selfless person and an inspiration to be around.”
Rising junior Javier Soto joined Avery as one of 31 athletes across the state named the Most Positive in their sport. Javier earned the honor in the Boys Alternative category. He competes in Legends Auto Racing all over the Southeast. Legends Racing is an organized competition featuring automobiles modeled after American cars from the 1930s and 1940s. Javier has been successful on the track, earning several wins and podium appearances, but it may have been his willingness to mentor younger drivers that put him in the spotlight for Positive Athlete.
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“Javi always has such a positive and optimistic approach and outlook toward each event,” explained his coach, mentor, and crew chief, Andy James, who nominated Javier. “He doesn’t have the best equipment, but he doesn’t let that change his mindset on the outcome of the race. Many times, he has outperformed his competitors that have bigger budgets and better equipment, but even when he doesn’t, he maintains a positive attitude.”
The Positive Athlete program recognizes high-character athletes across Georgia who are nominated by coaches, school administrators and teachers and who best represent “How Positive Athletes O.P.E.R.A.T.E.” – Optimistic, Puts team first, Encouraging, Respectful, Admits imperfections, True heart for others, Embraces service. This year, there were over 5,000 nominations spanning more than 440 high schools across the state. Receiving this award is truly a unique honor.
“While we certainly value success and achievement in competition,” Cobb Director of Athletics Baker concluded, “these honors affirm something even more important – our commitment to developing young people of character. Athletics provides a powerful platform to teach leadership, integrity, resilience, service, and respect. The fact that the Cobb County School District continues to be recognized by Positive Athlete demonstrates that our coaches, athletic directors, parents, and student-athletes understand that the lessons learned outside the lines are often more important than what happens inside the lines.”
That is positively something to be proud of.
h/t ceremony photos provided by Positive Athlete, Inc., courtesy David Vaughn Photography, other photos provided by the Shoplock family and the Soto family
