Derrick High Prepares to Take Off to the Next Level

A three-sport star, High led the Firebirds to this year's championship winning the 400 and 200 meters, and anchoring the 400-meter relay.

"It was the most incredible performance that I've seen in 21 years of coaching track," says coach Alton Tyre. "Not only with kids that I have been associated with, but it was one of the best performances of all time."

High is a North Carolina Scholar Athlete who will run track and play football in the fall atWestern Carolina. High gives all the credit to his family.

"My parents always encouraged me to keep my books straight and everything," High said. "That's what I did, I just go to school and try my best in the classroom."

"Derrick is a better kid than he is an athlete, and that says a lot about him," Tyre said.

"He's focused, he's motivated and he knows what he's after," teacher Andrea Smith said. "He knows what the goals are that he is trying to achieve."

"If Derrick had never stepped on the track, he would still be an outstanding person," Tyre said.

Derrick High of Southern Nash High School is this week's winner of theExtra Effort Award.