POULSBO — Ashley Tobin and Tyler Seth, both graduating seniors at North Kitsap High School, were recently named the recipients of the 39th Joe Shandera Award.

The Joe Shandera Award is the most prestigious athletic award given to a senior boy and girl at North Kitsap High School.

The award was first given in 1969.

And being nominated for the award, let alone winning it, is a noteworthy accomplishment as the nomination process and list of criteria are exhaustive.

The criteria includes dedication to excellence in athletics, maintaining good academic standing, exhibiting good sportsmanship, showing interest in attaining the highest level of responsibility toward the school and the community.

In addition, the nominees must display loyalty to teammates, coaches, school and the sport, leadership by example, participation in a variety of sports, evidence of sacrifice to achieve in the sport, coachability, and admiration accorded by coaches, teammates, teachers and opponents.

Also taken into consideration is the nominees’ ability to overcome obstacles to achieve or surpass their athletic potential.

The athlete doesn’t need to be a “star.”

The head coaches from all the athletic programs nominate athletes whom they believe meet the criteria for the award.

Then they discuss the nominees and vote for one boy and one girl.