NATCHEZ — T.J. Johnson is considered a leader on his Adams County Christian football and baseball teams.

So it comes as no surprise that Johnson was nominated for yet another award given to outstanding athletes, citizens and leaders in Mississippi schools.

Johnson received the bronze medal in the 39th annual Spirit of America Day, which honored five student-athletes from around the state for their leadership, academic performance and community service.

“It’s a great honor for him to win an award that’s statewide,” ACCS baseball coach Hunter McKievier said. “T.J. is just a natural-born leader. He strives to do whatever he can for the team, and he’s well-deserving of any award he gets.”

McKievier said Johnson is the type of player who does whatever is asked of him, even if it means taking the designated hitter role instead of playing in the outfield.

His all-district nomination for both football and basketball, McKievier said, is an indicator of his athletic ability and dedication.

“On an average practice day with us, my kids get home at 6 or 7 p.m., and we’ve been as late as 8:30 or 9 p.m. before,” he said. “Then they’ve got to do their homework and take care of studies. To still be able to do what they do is a testament to them.”

Johnson received a $1,000 scholarship from the Miss-Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame earlier this year.

ACCS football coach Paul Hayles said Johnson has been nominated for so many awards that he can’t remember who has sent in which forms.

“He’s been a great representative for our school and he’s been a solid part of the rebuilding process here (on the football team),” Hayles said. “When you’re in that process, things are not easy. But he’s held the course and performed well, and that’s a compliment to his upbringing.”

Johnson said he met a lot of influential people during Spirit of America Day, which was held at Smith Park in Jackson and at the state capitol.

He received a letter from Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, and Richland Mayor Mark Scarborough and Burnsville Rep. Bubba Carpenter were keynote speakers.

“It made me feel like I was a good academic and athletic representative for my school,” Johnson said. “It makes me feel like I’m a leader. When somebody’s messing around, I’m always setting them straight, and I try to help my teammates out when they need it.”

Chad Mangum of Aberdeen, who plays football, baseball, basketball and soccer, won the gold medal for the day.

The silver medal winners were Braxton’s Justin Griffin, who participates in football, basketball, soccer and track — and Andrew Pierce from Stringer. Pierce plays football and baseball.

Chandler Rogers, a football player for Brookhaven, also received a bronze medal.

McKievier said with the long road trips the teams have and the hours of practice they put in, it is tough for student-athletes to fit in schoolwork and social lives.

But somehow, he said, Johnson has managed and has set a good example for his teammates and the state.

“I think it’s a good thing for ACCS,” McKievier said. “Anytime you can get it out there that a student-athlete is succeeding, it shows how our school performs and it’s a testament to our teachers. It shows how sports can help you out in a leadership role.”