Harlem’s Hance Harper named Scholar Athlete of the Week

AUGUSTA, GA (WJBF) – Hance has played four years of football for the Bulldogs, but he also excels in the classroom where he is ranked second in the class of 2025. He has an average of 101.9 through his first three years, and the only AP class he doesn’t take is weight training. For his hard work both in the classroom and in his athletic endeavors, Hance has been named the WJBF Scholar Athlete of the Week.

Hance says he is so pleased to have won the award, and he hopes he inspires other kids. “I just want to be a light in the school for every student,” says Hance, “I want everyone to know that no matter what, they have a shot. They can do both. They can work hard and if they work hard, they’ll go places.”

Hance’s parents say they couldn’t be more grateful to all of the people who supported their son, and it makes them proud to see the young man Hance is becoming. “It’s great to see him win this award today. His friends, his family, teammates, coaches, faculty, staff, everybody’s poured into him over the years,” says Hance’s dad Brandon Harper, “We’re just super excited about the young man he has become.” Hance’s mom echoed the sentiment touching on his dedication. “He’s worked hard since he was in elementary school,” says Leslie Harper, “he puts in work in the classroom and out of the classroom, so he’s a hard worker for sure.”

Hance’s coach has also seen his hard work, and says he is a guy on the team that everybody likes and respects. “He’s friends with everybody. He’s a leader because of how he inspires others, and his work ethic is unmatched there’s no doubt about that, ” says Coach Mark Boiter, “everything he does is just special to everyone on our team and in our program. Guys just love him.”

Hance has not officially decided on a college yet, but he wants to be pre-med in the hopes of one day becoming a surgeon. A huge congrats to Hance Harper and his family!

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