UMHB Hosted TOUCHDOWNS and Honored Alum with B.E.S.T. Award on Saturday

BELTON, Texas- The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) hosted the annual TOUCHDOWNS event on Saturday, Oct. 5, during the football game against East Texas Baptist University. This tradition began in 2017, and all members of the local special needs community and their families were invited to attend the game free of charge. There were opportunities for guests to participate in scoring touchdowns at halftime with the help of UMHB student-athletes and cheering on the Cru football team alongside the UMHB cheer and dance teams. This year, more than 100 members of the special needs community registered to participate.

"It is our honor every year to host our TOUCHDOWNS game," Vice President for Athletics Randy Mann said. "We enjoy all the smiling faces and endzone celebrations. It is fun to be part of something so special and share our love of football with the special needs community."

Also, on Saturday, Sharon Davis, a 1970 UMHB graduate, was presented with the B.E.S.T. (Baptist Educators Serving Texas) Award. The award celebrates Christian educators living out their faith daily among their students and the Texas Baptist institutions that taught them.

Davis is actively involved at First Baptist Belton and has served as the pastor's wife for more than 32 years. Her education highlights include being the principal liaison at ESC Region 12, the former executive director for elementary schools at Killeen Independent School District, the former assistant superintendent at KISD, and the learning services international director.

"Mrs. Davis was well-loved by her students and peers and equipped everyone for learning and success with compassion and care," said Jeff Sutton, UMHB's Director of Alumni Engagement. "We are grateful for her impact on the lives of students and educators, and she is an excellent representation of UMHB."