What began as a typical Monday practice for the Dublin Jerome High School girls basketball team quickly turned into a moment of recognition and pride. On October 27, OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute, Principal Mike Aurin, and Athletic Director Jay Schwanke joined the Celtics in the Jerome gym to present head coach and mathematics teacher Karli Burkett with the 2025 OHSAA/NFHS National High School Spirit of Sport Award.

The Spirit of Sport Award, created by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in 2008, recognizes individuals who exemplify the positive spirit of sport through sportsmanship, leadership, and service to others. The award honors those who have overcome adversity or gone above and beyond in demonstrating the core mission of school-based athletics. Each year, eight section winners and one national recipient are selected from nominations submitted by state associations nationwide.

Burkett, who joined Jerome’s coaching staff in 2022, was recognized for her exceptional leadership and resilience during a year marked by personal challenge. Her son, James Douglas (J.D.), was born on May 9, 2024, at OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital and was later diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)—a rare, life-threatening immune disorder. The Burkett family spent six months traveling between Dublin Methodist, Nationwide Children’s, and the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital while J.D. underwent chemotherapy and a successful bone marrow transplant.

Throughout her son’s treatment, Burkett remained dedicated to her students and athletes, continuing to lead from afar and demonstrating the perseverance and perspective that have defined her career. Upon returning to the classroom and the court last winter, she helped guide a Celtics team that was already finding success early in the season. Jerome finished 19-6 overall and 8-2 in conference play, and the program hopes to build on that momentum heading into the 2025–2026 season. 

The OHSAA/NFHS Spirit of Sport Award recognizes not only Burkett’s commitment to her team and profession, but also her embodiment of what high school athletics represent—character, courage, and the ability to inspire others through action.

Her selection as Ohio’s recipient places her among an elite group of honorees nationwide who have turned personal adversity into examples of leadership and strength within their school communities.