Checotah seniors Lane Elliott and Elisabeth Ortiz were named the 2024 McIntosh County Democrat Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Tuesday evening at the Checotah All-Sports Banquet.

“It is an honor to name these two individuals who led by example in sports, the classroom and in the community,” Sports Editor Rodney Haltom said in his presentation speech.

In order to qualify for the honor of the McIntosh County Democrat Sportsperson of the year, you have to be a senior, play two or more sports, carry a 4.0 and do community service.

Ortiz competed in track and on the swim team, where she qualified for State in two events. She was also a Vale-dictorian, first in class, earned an Academic Letter Jacket, and was named the Heisman Oklahoma Scholarship Recipient. Ortiz volunteered in many organizations.

Lane Elliott excelled in football and on the Wildcat baseball team. He helped lead Checotah to the playoffs in football where they finished with a 7-3 record.

Elliott volunteered at the Checotah Animal Shelter among many of his community service projects.

“This young man is the perfect example of a great teammate and athlete. He showed what it is to put the team first and represented Checotah with class. He excelled in the classroom, gridiron and baseball field and carried a 4.0 grade point average throughout all of this,” Haltom said.