A Grambling State University student received the Georgia Peach of An Athlete Award for his outstanding studies in the classroom as well as outside it.
“It was a humbling experience to say the least,” said Jahi Gilkey. “To be honored for something that you put so much work into and that you are passionate about creates a feeling that words can’t capture.”
Gilkey, a junior mass communication major concentrated in multi-media, received the award for his excellence in school, in the community and in athletics. Gilkey travled to Atlanta where he and others were given the award at the Cobb Energy Center Tuesday, March 24.
“I didn’t win the top award but I along with seven others were finalists and were all honored for being athletes who exhibit great performance in the classroom, the field, and in the community,” said Gilkey, a native of Atlanta.
Receiving plaques and name posters, the awardees also got the chance to speak with different professional athletes as well as talk to top market people of different industries. Several of the events sponsors and supporters were present.
Although Gilkey is an avid runner in the sport of track and field and has been running since middle school, it wasn’t his first love.
“Football was always my first love so I just ran track to get faster and stay in shape for football,” said Gilkey. “I got overlooked in football because of my size and I excelled on the track so I decided to take the offer to run at GSU.”
The athlete went on to explain he has much support in his life and has increased his skill level since the last year.
“My parents have been monumental in helping me become stronger,” said Gilkey. “They offer me guidance and support that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
“Track is 80 percent mental and I finally realized that at the end of my season last year so this year my entire attitude towards winning and working hard has improved.”
Gilkey says that he doesn’t plan to run track professionally after his college career unless God has it planned for him. However he is taking the steps now to become an actor, filmmaker, or profound philanthropist.
“I’m truly gratified for this experience and I’m inspired to keep reaching even higher.”