Awards & Recognition

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Calvin Quarterman

McHenry Parkland

Principal:

Calvin Quarterman of McHenry Parkland says he knows sportsmanship is important as he benefited from it when someone he was competing against in a cross-country race on an unmarked course alerted him that he was going the wrong direction. Calvin ended up winning that race while the other runner came in second and it had a big effect on his outlook.

Calvin's biggest hero is the 72-year-old man he calls Papa. Calvin says they're both very athletic, but his Papa was diagnosed with polio as a high school senior and Calvin is inspired at how he's managed his condition over the years - continuing to play sports, as well as traveling.

When considering his own accomplishments, he says he's most proud of qualifying for the IESA State Cross-Country Meet. He finished at the back of the pack in the sectional as a seventh grader. He trained hard the next year and not only qualified for state, but ran his personal best proving hard work and self-confidence can help you accomplish anything.

Calvin says the idea that anyone goes hungry is unacceptable and it's the one thing he'd like to change in the world. He says no one should have to go to bed without enough food and to think kids his own age have to is difficult to comprehend.

This spunky eighth grader credits arguing with his sister for helping him decide he wants to go into law. He considers their friendly debates fun especially since, in his opinion, he wins.

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