LEXINGTON, Ky. ? A total of nineteen student-athletes were awarded the Frank G. Ham Society of Character Award, four of which were from the Kentucky gymnastics team. Senior Crissy Cannon, senior Kristen O?Shields, junior Heather Hite, and junior Natalie Rubinstein were all recipients of the honorable award.

Every year student-athletes are nominated by coaches and staff members and then selected by a committee. The award is given through the athletic department. This year the selected students were presented with their awards on Saturday Feb. 9 during halftime at the Kentucky vs. Alabama game in Rupp Arena.

The award is named after former Asst. Athletic Director Frank Ham and recognizes student-athletes who go above and beyond to achieve the five commitments of the CHAMPS/Life Skills program. Individuals nominated are judged on their commitment to academic excellence, athletic participation, personal development, being a role model, and preparing for the world of work.

The mission of the Society of Character program is to recognize student-athletes who have achieved a high level in all areas of their lives, bring together these high achieving student-athletes for interactive programs, further enhance the student-athletes’ best interests and well being, and to promote continued interaction with other organizations.

For more information on Kentucky athletics, please visit www.ukathletics.com.