On track to success

Haydn McCallum, an eighth grader at Crossroads School, earned a scholarship to St. Pius X High School, where he hopes to run track. He was inspired by neighbor "Papa Jack."

I love the excitement of track, with the wind lashing at you and your heart racing as your body flies toward the finish line. Though I have been running competitively for only a short while, I have been running for a long time. For years I would listen to music on long runs. Now competition piques my interest. I love the fresh air. I also love running in frozen weather. I was born in Boston and moved to Houston in the third grade. While in Boston, I ran in a few competitions with my family. One of my inspirations was my neighbor, Mr. Jack Pennington, a retired geologist who asked me to call him “Papa Jack.”

When I was around 10, I started walking his dog, Buddy. When I finished the walks, he would often teach me something new. He might tell me about a rock he had. Papa Jack always taught me to be my best, and to never give up. I loved him, and I try to incorporate his philosophy into my life. He was a great man, a World War II veteran. He was like a grandfather to me. He taught me the value of equality and care. He wanted everyone to be treated as you would treat yourself. He had already passed away when I found out that I received a scholarship to St. Pius for high school, but I know he would have been very proud. The honor of receiving a scholarship was extraordinary; all the time spent studying, listening in class, and checking work paid off.

My Crossroads School teacher, Mr. Obi Ehieze, and my brother have greatly affected my academics. Since I was very little, my brother would teach me what he learned in class that day. Mr. Obi always took time to explain how to solve problems and explained math in a simple manner. My friends also have helped out greatly. I am grateful for this tremendous opportunity. I plan to try out for the St. Pius track team and will give it my all.

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