A local sports supporter has been named as Contributor of the Year as part of the TSSAA’s A.F. Bridges awards. Jonathon Norris will be honored with the award for District 4 for his commitment to local sports.
The award is part of the TSSAA’s "Just Do What’s Right" program that recognizes member schools that have made the effort to remind their athletic family that there is a particular code of conduct, a particular level of expected behavior, and a way to act that is proper if one wishes to be a part of an athletic contest, regardless of how they participate.
Norris was nominated by Coach Danny Bond for his contributions to local athletic programs. The nomination reads: "Jonathon Norris, a resident of DeKalb County, has a strong desire to support all athletic programs at all levels in the Middle Tennessee area.
"He and his wife, Jenny, have two children ages 12 and seven that are very active in local athletics. As the owner of Southern Landscape Supply in Cookeville, he has access to equipment and supplies that he makes available to athletic programs in the area.
"Jonathon’s contributions to local sports include:
• Donating the use of equipment for field maintenance.
• Helping with the writing of turf programs for appearance and safety measures.
• Assisting in work-day programs to help coaches and athletes maintain their fields.
• Donating and providing low-cost options for athletic products when funding for the program is not available.
• Assisting and participating in fundraising activities and buying banners and advertising spots for all programs.
• Working with middle-school level programs and youth feeder programs in the same manner as above.
• Acting president of the local Little League organization and has been instrumental in building a new field and getting lights for it."
Norris will receive the award on Nov. 7, at Hillwood High School in Nashville.