GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — A Gadsden High School student has been named Alabama’s Special Olympics Athlete of the Year for 2016.

David Hodges’ fellow students gave him — and all of the school’s Special Olympians — a standing ovation at a recent assembly, The Gadsden Times reported.

Hodges received his plaque with cheerleaders, the school’s mascot, family members and fellow students all providing encouragement.

“All of our students’ achievements are something we take great pride in,” Gadsden City Schools Superintendent Ed Miller said, congratulating Hodges and his fellow athletes.

Hodges has been doing Special Olympic sports for six years.

He was part of Gadsden City High School’s Special Olympics basketball team that earned a state championship last year; he also competes in track and field and swimming, the Gadsden newspaper reported.

“With swimming, he is one of the key leaders who also strives to do his best and help others,” Gadsden City High Special Olympics Coach Christine Lowery wrote in her nomination.

Hodges always wants to improve his skills, Lowery wrote. He’s working on swimming the 100 freestyle and has learned to do the backstroke.

“Because he wants to do the 100 freestyle, other swimmers are also wanting to try to swim this distance,” she said.

In basketball, he has been a key leader on the championship team, encouraging new players to listen to their coach and to do their best, Lowery said.

In track, Hodges ran the 400 meters last year and wants to do the 800 meters this year, Lowery said. He runs extra laps and works out to improve his athletic abilities.

In school, he’s a very polite and considerate young man, Lowery said.

He also is part of the Beautiful Rainbow Catering after-school program, which teaches students to garden and cook healthy meals, operates a catering business and soon will operate a cafe within the Gadsden Public Library.