LANSING - The Lansing State Journal had its second annual high school sports award ceremony May 31 at the Wharton Center honoring the most elite athletes in the mid-Michigan area.

Athletes from high schools throughout the Greater Lansing area accepted awards from 31 different categories such as offensive and defensive football player of the year and the newest category, competitive cheer athlete of the year.

After the winners name would be called the athlete would walk on stage, receive a trophy, and give a brief acceptance speech. Many high schoolers thanked their parents, coaches and teammates for helping them along their journey.

Five athletes from Okemos High School and Haslett/Williamston teams received awards at the ceremony. Two Okemos seniors won their respected awards for the second year in a row. Freyja Garbaccio won Girls swimmer of the year and Andrew Himebaugh won boys water polo player of the year.

The show included a Question and Answer segment with two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields. Shields talked to the athletes about putting in hard work and striving to do the things that others believe is impossible.