Winnebago County High School student Sarah Hinde is the 2021-22 IHSA nominee for the NFHS Spirit of the Sport Award:
 

SARAH HINDE  |  WINNEBAGO HIGH SCHOOL | SECTION 4 WINNER

Born 22 weeks into her mother's pregnancy, Sarah was given a 2% percent chance to live and was told she would never walk or talk if she did. She overcame those odds, and at six years old, set a goal of becoming a high school cheerleader. However, more hurdles remained, as a growth spurt when she was 11 years old, coupled with her cerebral palsy, created serious pain and complications in her legs. She relied on crutches and then a wheelchair, before finally undergoing surgery to reshape the bones in her legs. The doctors did not anticipate that she would be able to recover in time to cheer during her season football season, but through hard work and determination, she was cleared and achieved her goal of cheering on WHS during the 2021 football season. In addition, Sarah is also a member of the Student Council at WHS, serves as an advocate for Cerebral Palsy, and has competed in the Miss Royalty International pageant.
 

Sarah's Amazing Story Was Featured On WREX TV: