The Mules Booster Club has named Khelie Spence and Jaden Deaton of Poplar Bluff High School the October Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Jaden, a junior cross country runner, placed third at the 2019 All-Conference, was champion at the 2019 All-District, placed fifth at the 2019 All-Sectional, and was a state qualifier in both 2018 and 2019. He won the Jackson, Fox and Arcadia Valley invitationals, and was named the 2019 Semoball Cross Country Pre-season Athlete of the Year. This past weekend, he ran a 15:57 at the MSHSAA Class 4 State Cross Country Championship, finishing 22nd. Also ranked 22nd in his class, Jaden maintains an 11.071 grade point average.

“Jaden is an extremely dedicated athlete both on and off the course,” said Beth Lewis, his coach. “He has the highest level of integrity, always doing what is expected of him without being told. Jaden’s passion for the sport is truly a blessing. 

Khelie, a senior volleyball player, totaled 512 kills for her career with 201 kills this season, and 129 blocks for her career with 52 blocks this season. She has a 4.0 cumulative GPA in the classroom.

“Khelie has such a strong personality on and off the court,” said Aimie Simmers, her coach. “Whether it’s making the team laugh prior to the game or killing the ball on the 10-foot line during the games, she makes her presence known. You don’t see talent like Khelie’s very often and even more rare is [having] as coachable of a player with that much talent.”

Pictured: Presenting Khelie Spence and Jaden Deaton the AOM plaques on Thursday, Nov. 7, is Booster Club Vice President Brian Taylor.

Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District