Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction.
By Stacey A. Shannon—
COWAN, IN—For Wapahani High School senior Isaac Andrews, basketball is a way of life. Since he was in fifth grade, he’s played basketball during school and over the summer. All his time on the court paid off. This year Andrews broke both Wapahani’s scoring record for the season as well as the Delaware County all-time scoring record previously set in 1960 by Ron Bonham.
But record breaking isn’t all Andrews has been up to with basketball. At the end of March, Andrews led Wapahani’s basketball team to its first state championship game.
When he’s not in basketball season, Andrews helps his dad run basketball training camps for children and enjoys interacting with the younger kids. Andrews was excited to learn one of the children he worked with picked the same number as Andrews for his school team.
Being a good role model is something Andrews takes seriously.
“[I try to] just be a positive role model for the younger kids – someone they can look up to and strive to be like,” he said. “I just want to make this community a better place.”
However, basketball isn’t all Andrews is about. Even with such a successful basketball season behind him, the National Honor Society and Raiders Against Destructive Decisions member is glad for the connections he’s made with other people during this school year.
“I’m most proud of the time I’ve spent with the people throughout the community and through basketball and through other aspects through school,” Andrews said. “I’m proud of having those interactions with people that hopefully bettered their life, but definitely bettered my life as well.”
Talking with different people at school and throughout the community offers Andrews new perspectives, which he appreciates and learns from.
Staying on top of his schoolwork in the midst of a busy sports schedule is challenging for Andrews, but he’s made it work with lots of discipline. His mornings start with his basketball workout before school.
“And while I’m at school, I’m 100% focused on my schoolwork,” he said, mentioning homework is his first priority after basketball practice ends.
Andrews, who plans to go to college and play basketball while possibly majoring in business or finance, had advice for students coming up behind him. He said students should just be themselves and not put anyone down.
“When people are hurtful to others, there’s never a good outcome for you or for them,” Andrews said. “Always try to be kind and just communicate with as many people as you can in a positive way.”
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