Peyton Gully, a sophomore at Pope High School in Marietta/East Cobb, was recently awarded Cobb EMC’s Positive Energy Award and a $1,000 college scholarship for the positive energy she brings as a student-athlete.

The Cobb EMC Positive Energy Award recognizes a student-athlete in the Cobb County region who brings positive energy to every practice and competition. It is given through Atlanta-based Positive Athlete Georgia, which has programs in Georgia and Western Pennsylvania and was started by Hines Ward, formerly of the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Peyton exemplifies positive energy in the face of adversity,” said Kevan Espy, Cobb EMC Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications. “In our minds, this award and scholarship are about character, and from the time we’ve spent with Peyton, it’s clear she’s a wonderful choice for this award.”

Diagnosed in early 2017 with a rare form of leukemia, Gully has spent most of the year in the hospital, undergoing chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant from her younger sister.

Cobb EMC presented the award to Gully’s parents, Brandt and Cheryl Gully, alongside Hines Ward at the Positive Athlete Georgia Awards, which were held at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Prior to the event, Cobb EMC employees surprised Gully at the hospital with the news that she had won the scholarship.

Gully, who was selected for Pope High School’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Academy, maintains a 4.447 weighted GPA, despite her rigorous, advanced curriculum. She is currently ranked eighth out of 519 students in her sophomore class. In addition to academics, Gully runs Cross Country and is involved in her school and community. Each year, Gully spends spring break volunteering in cities across the U.S. and abroad. She is an active participant in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government Association and Interact, a leadership club that is sponsored by Rotary International.

“Peyton has a positive attitude that impacts everyone around her,” said Scott Pederson, President/CEO of Positive Athlete. “She’s fighting, but meanwhile, she’s bringing out the best in her community, her teammates and even rival teams. That’s what this award is all about.”

To learn more, visit www.cobbemc.com or positiveathlete.org.