SAVANNAH — The future of high school sports in the 912 is in good hands.
A tradition that started in 2019 and continues to grow, four eighth-grade student-athletes were recognized at the 8th Annual DeWitt Award, presented by the Exchange Club of Savannah, and each one brings talent, leadership, and a strong work ethic to the next level.
Photo (l-r): Zion Boston, Lauryn Newton, Colton Goka, and DeWitt Award coordinator David DeWitt pose with the 2026 DeWitt Award trophies. (Anna Nicholson not shown)
From the field to the court to the classroom, these athletes have already made their mark.
PUBLIC SCHOOL MALE
Zion Boston — Oglethorpe Charter School
Honor student. Played tight end and was a leading receiver for an undefeated 
City Championship team. He was a standout defensive end. Made the eighth-grade basketball team as a sixth grader. Started as a seventh grader and was the leading scorer and rebounder as an eighth grader on back-to-back undefeated City Championship basketball teams. Named MVP of the City Championship Tournament. Also stood out on the track for the Titans. Serves at his church.
Zion Boston made an impact in every season. Football, basketball, and track, he produced, and his teams won.
“As a first year football player, Zion picked up the game very quickly using his quickness and athleticism to make plays at defensive end,” said Derek Perry, athletic director and head football coach. “His size, strength, and speed allowed him to dominate at tight end and h-back.”
Boston also controlled the game on the basketball court.
“Zion was one of the most dominant basketball players I have seen in a long time,” said Sandy Shepherd, head basketball coach. “He could take complete control of a game.”
Boston kept his focus on the people who helped him along the way.
“I just play hard and give my coaches what they need,” Boston said. “I give all the praise to my coaches for helping me get here.”
PRIVATE SCHOOL MALE
Colton Goka — Saint James Catholic School
National Junior Honor Society student and student body president. Finished 
third individually and helped his team win a championship in cross country. One of the leading tacklers on a SPAL runner-up football team. Leading scorer and rebounder for a three-time SPAL championship basketball team. Named the 2026 Shamrock Basketball Tournament MVP. Member of the No. 1-ranked SPAL golf team. In track, placed first in the high jump and third in the 4x100 relay. In baseball, he was second in scoring and had the highest batting average. Won a seventh-grade SPAL baseball championship as a middle infielder and cleanup hitter. Serves the community through Renegade Paws Rescue, Jenkins Athletic Club, St. James, and CURE.
Colton Goka did it all, and did it at a high level. He led in the classroom and across multiple sports.
“Colton Goka is the epitome of a student-athlete,” said Kareem Wall, head basketball coach. “He balances academics and athletics at a high level and shows leadership and perseverance every day.”
For Goka, the award reflects the work behind the scenes.
“It means all the hard work paid off,” Goka said. “The extra hours, the studying, and the time when nobody else was working.”
PRIVATE SCHOOL FEMALE
Anna Nicholson — Savannah Country Day School
High honor student. Plays volleyball year-round for Club Savannah. Key player 
on the eighth-grade SPAL volleyball championship team. Plays AAU basketball and was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder on a SPAL basketball championship team. Key player on the seventh and eighth-grade SPAL regular-season championship teams. Serves her community through Student Council, Wesley Community Center, Second Harvest Food Bank, PACK, and CURE.
Anna Nicholson is a leader who continues to improve. She brings effort, awareness, and consistency to every competition.
“Anna is one of those well-rounded players in every sport,” said Stacey Bazemore, coach. “She works hard in practice and it shows in her performance. She is a leader and a great teammate.”
Nicholson said balance helped her grow this year.
“Managing school and sports made me a better athlete,” Nicholson said. “It helped me with time management and staying focused.”
PUBLIC SCHOOL FEMALE
Lauryn Newton — Oglethorpe Charter School
High honor student. Started as a sixth grader on a City Championship 
basketball team. Started as a seventh and eighth grader. This year, she was the second leading scorer, leading rebounder, and leading shot blocker on an undefeated City Championship team. Named MVP in the City Championship game. Excels in track and shot put. A strong role model who is active in her church.
Lauryn Newton has been a key part of winning teams for years. She brings toughness and consistency every time she steps on the floor.
“Lauryn is not only a great player, she is a great person who is highly respected by her teachers and peers,” said Sandy Shepherd, head basketball coach. “She was a pleasure to coach and has a bright future.”
Newton sees this award as motivation for what comes next.
“This means a lot to me,” Newton said. “It pushes me to keep working and get better going into high school.”
Four athletes. Four different paths. One standard.
They compete, they lead, and they represent their schools the right way.
And if this is what eighth grade looks like in Savannah, the next level in the Savannah area will be fun to watch.
Note: Bio information from the DeWitt Award website
Middle School Athletes of the Year Winners
2026
Public School Female: Lauryn Newton, Oglethorpe Charter School
Private School Female: Anna Nicholson, Savannah Country Day School
Public School Male: Zion Boston, Oglethorpe Charter School
Private School Male: Colton Goka, Saint James Catholic School
Past Winners
2025
Public School Female: Sutton Meece, Garrison School for the Arts
Private School Female: Saige Walker, Calvary Day School
Public School Male: Ba’Nari Mells, Oglethorpe Charter School
Public School Male: Malachi Golden-Reedy, Oglethorpe Charter School
Private School Male: Matt Gibson, Calvary Day School
Private School Male: Kyree Richards, Saint James School
2024
Public School Female: Lyleigh Bradshaw, Godley Station K-8
Public School Female: Alyssa Gibson, STEM Academy
Private School Female: Janiyah Johnson, Savannah Country Day School
Public School Male: Jah’yea Martin, Myers Middle School
Private School Male: Stewart Dunn, Hancock Day School
2023
Public School Female: Mariah Reid, Ellis Montessori Academy
Private School Female: Madison Bueno, Hancock Day School
Private School Female: Grace Dare, St. Andrew’s School
Public School Male: Ca’Ron Hall, Rice Creek School
Private School Male: James H. Mobley IV, Blessed Sacrament School
2022
Public School Female: Amani Washington, Georgetown K-8
Private School Female: Talia Johnson, Calvary Baptist Day School
Public School Male: Sebastian Garcia, The STEM Academy at Bartlett
Private School Male: Asher Herrin, Hancock Day School
Private School Male: Stephen Cannon, Savannah Country Day School
2021
Public School Female: Ava Thomas, The STEM Academy at Bartlett
Private School Female: Harris Stone, Savannah Country Day School
Public School Male: Makai Joyner, Hubert Middle School
Private School Male: John Lilly, Blessed Sacrament School
Private School Male: Harry “Zo” Smalls Jr., Savannah Christian Preparatory School
2020
Public School Female: Ernajah Mallard, Hubert Middle School
Private School Female: Mary Sophia Fischer, Blessed Sacrament School
Private School Male: Jake Merklinger, Calvary Day School
Public School Male: Makai Hampton, Southwest Middle School
Private School Male: Luke Kromenhoek, Saint James School
2019
Private School Female: Anna Pollak, Savannah Country Day School
Public School Male: Kaden Tuten, The STEM Academy at Bartlett
Public School Female: Margaret Wade, The STEM Academy at Bartlett
Private School Male: Conner Graham, Hancock Day School
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Prep Sports Report
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