Central High School’s halftime ceremony on Saturday honored a special hometown hero in Joshua Moore, by retiring his jersey, number 77, in a special tribute to a young man that taught all of us to live in the moment, enjoy the little things in life, keep a positive attitude no matter what, and to never give up.
Joshua Moore was an offensive lineman wearing #77 on his jersey for the Central High Bobcats. He loved the Friday night lights after sunset. Joshua was diagnosed with leukemia during the fall of his junior year, and although he was not able to play his senior year, he was present at every practice and game, helping coach and serving as an inspiration to his teammates. Even faced with a cancer diagnosis, he still had the mindset that he could always have it worse and he carried an infectious optimism that resonated with everyone who knew him.
Center: Sherri Brown, (to the right) Kevin Lane, Larry Headrick, Randy Edwards with family and friends
Joshua once said, “Be thankful for all you have in life. Anything can be taken away at any given moment.” Sadly, just two months shy of graduating, Joshua was called home on March 5, 2012.
Every year, the CHS football team awards the Perseverance Award to honor Joshua’s legacy. This award is given to a player who has dealt with and overcome hardship during the season. In March, KnoxTNToday covered the presentation of the Joshua Moore Perseverance Award to Miguel Kirby.
Joshua’s family would like to thank the Central High School athletic staff, the family of coach Joel Helton, former head coaches Joe Hassell, Bryson Rosser, Nick Craney and current head coach Kevin Lane for keeping Joshua’s memory alive through the Perseverance Award and the permanent remembrance of his #77 jersey.