Charlotte's Washington Named Coca-Cola Community All-American

Bernadette Washington

Charlotte 49ers junior sprinter Bernadette M. Washington (Winston-Salem, N.C.) was chosen as a 2003-2004 Coca-Cola Community All-American. This distinction, in its inaugural year, is given to an athlete who makes a positive impact on his or her community through leadership and service. As a campus winner of this award, Washington became eligible for national honors. Her nomination to the NCAA resulted in her being named a Division I finalist, putting her in a group of only 24 other student-athletes from across the country.

Washington's recognition comes as a result of her extensive work within the greater Charlotte community. She has participated in a variety of service organizations in the area and devoted over 37 hours to helping others over the course of this past academic year. Among other things, Washington has organized a Bingo Night at Britthaven Nursing Home, tutored children through Charlotte's Police Athletic League program, and participated in a Read-a-Thon at Mallard Creek Elementary School.

In addition to being involved in her community, Washington has also displayed a positive attitude both on and off the track. In 2003, she was selected as the 49ers representative to the NCAA's Leadership Conference; an annual event held in Florida for outstanding student athletes.