South Effingham High School (SEHS) standout Alyssa Martin has been officially named a 2026 Positive Athlete Award Winner for Georgia. Martin, a celebrated scholar-athlete, will be among those honored as the organization prepares to move its 12th Annual State Awards Ceremony to the Georgia State Capitol on June 1, 2026.
Alyssa Martin, a 4.0 GPA scholar and a cornerstone of the South Effingham softball program, was selected not only for her athletic prowess—honed since the age of six—but for her extraordinary commitment to service.
Her impact on the community includes leading food drives for hurricane victims in Jamaica, organizing Angel Tree projects, and serving as a mentor for the Mustang youth softball camp, balancing high-energy play with a role-model presence for the next generation of athletes.
“Anyone who knows Alyssa knows how big her heart is for her team, her school, her community, and the game of softball. She is an incredible ambassador for our school and the school district as a whole. I cannot imagine a more deserving recipient for this award. “ - Adam Newland, SEHS Softball Coach
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones will host the upcoming ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol and will feature more than $38,000 in scholarships awarded to Georgia students. The event will be led by Positive Athlete Founder/CEO Scott Pederson and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Georgia native Champ Bailey.
"Georgia is home to some of the most talented and inspiring student-athletes in the country," said Ryan Pederson, President of Positive Athlete. "This event allows us to shine a light on those who are making a difference in their communities."
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones praised the nominees, stating, "These young men and women represent the best of our state—demonstrating excellence in competition while serving as positive role models in their schools and communities."