Panther Valley School Board on Wednesday recognized sophomore Brenda Banks, who brought home her second state wrestling title this month.

Banks became a part of history becoming a state champion in the first PIAA girls wrestling tournament in Hershey, and last year, taking a state wrestling title in a non-PIAA event as a freshman.

School Board President Daniel Matika presented Banks, who was wearing her gold medal, with a plaque containing a quote about success from legendary Green Bay Packers football coach Vincent T. Lombardi.

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will,” the plaque reads.

Matika noted that the board also has two citations that they will present, when they arrive.

“Congratulations on being the state champ and making Panther Valley proud,” he told her as everyone rose and applauded.

Banks’ principal Patricia Ebbert said that she and the entire school were behind Banks as she went to compete in the state tournament.

“The positive culture that she has brought into our school in the last few weeks has just been amazing,” she said.

Ebbert along with teacher Kim Laird streamed Banks’ matches for the student body in the school’s auditorium, where the room erupted in cheers and everyone stood up at her win.

“The feeling you get when you watch that video,” Ebbert said, holding back her emotions.

Ebbert went to Hershey for Banks’ final match, and said parents from other schools knew who Banks was and were also rooting for her.

“They said, ‘She’s phenomenal. We cheer for her all the time,’” Ebbert said. “It’s nice to hear from other parents.”

Ebbert said she knows that Banks is living her best life and looks forward to whatever her future holds.

Bank will compete in nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, later this year. She placed fourth when she competed as a freshman a year ago.

Ebbert also noted that the attention has not gone to her head, as Banks remains extremely humble.

“When it came time to do the parade in school, she said to me, “Can my team walk with me?’” Ebbert said. “That’s who she is. Kudos to her and her coaches.”

Banks thanked everyone for acknowledging her after receiving the plaque, and also taking time after the board’s meeting.

“I was really excited to do that not only for myself, but for my community and everyone who supported me,” she said afterward. “Being able to not let them down in that aspect was very cool.”