South's Stephen Whyte Honored by the Boston Bruins for Sportsmanship Excellence

Stephen Whyte of Plymouth South high school has been awarded the 2011 Boston Bruins MIAA Sportsmanship Award.

The award is given to student-athletes for “best demonstrating a commitment to the ideals of sportsmanship in their conduct on and off the ice.” Whyte was the male student-athlete selected to receive the award out of the entire Atlantic Coast League.

To win the award, an athlete must display an “exemplary record” of respect, conduct, teamwork, and appreciation for one’s opponents.

In his career at Plymouth South, Whyte has gone above and beyond to incorporate these qualities into the way he plays high school hockey.

This past season Whyte led the Panthers to their most successful tournament appearance in school history. Throughout the season he never lost sight of the “bigger picture,” as Whyte describes it. He concentrated on fostering growth amongst his teammates, even in the most difficult of times.

“If the team is going through a rough time, I know I can’t blow up and start pointing fingers, because the team would become divided,” Whyte said. “Keeping the big picture in mind, and not getting caught up in the heat of the moment in a tough situation, helps me to stay positive and enthusiastic.”

Whyte’s enthusiasm is not limited to his time spent on the ice. He has volunteered at the VFW, at blood drives, food drives, hockey events and has even read to students at Manomet Elementary.

“We are very fortunate to go to a great school like South and to be able to play hockey,” Whyte said. “In return it is important for us to give what we can to our community.”

Whyte developed his maturity and leadership skills by paying attention to the positive influences in his life. Whyte’s family, along with his coaching staff and past hockey captains, have helped him to become the all around student-athlete he is today.

Whyte was honored at the Bruins’ home game against New Jersey last Tuesday night.

Next up for Whyte will be a year at a school yet to be decided. Whyte plans on stepping back onto the ice regardless of his school choice. Ultimately he would like to play hockey at the collegiate level.