Senior three-year track and cross-country athlete Kameron James does it all. From being a member of multiple clubs, maintaining a 3.8 weighted grade point average, and being on the road for the Bright Future Scholarship, James made sure to leave his mark at Charter.
Someone who started to compete in track during his sophomore year of high school, James believes that his multifaceted career has proven itself to be successful and efficient not only in running but also another sport, throwing javelins.
“Being able to learn such a unique event, javelin, as well as not having a coach for it and having to solely depend on my teammates and upperclassmen before me was very accomplishing,” notes James. “I’ve enjoyed the lessons they have taught me, and it’s honestly made me into a better person.”
Not only does he do track and javelin, James also runs cross country, making it to states two out of his three years being a part of the Jaguars track program. In team running, his group placed top 10 out of the 40 teams participating. He focuses on leading by example for his underclassmen teammates and the ones to come after him.
Although he didn’t take running seriously at first, he was inspired by his former teammate, Alejandro Debastos, who currently runs for a Division I program at the University of Florida. He’s been a crucial role model for James, as his example drove him to aim to achieve his dreams and become an inspiring athlete to others as well. By running through hardships and injuries, achieving numerous accomplishments in between, and pushing his teammates to the highest level, James has managed to leave his desired mark on his teammates.
“Kameron is an outspoken, motivating teammate who pushes all of his teammates every day. Even when I am locked in while running, I can still hear Kameron loudly cheering me on,” says junior track and cross-country teammate Alayah Samuel.
Since his freshman year, James has been a member of several clubs, including the Black Student Union (BSU) and First Priority. During his senior year he wanted to make sure to leave his mark in these clubs, especially BSU, when he participated in the Black Student Union’s annual showcase.
However, outside of being an active member within Charter’s clubs and athletics programs, James finds joy in his talent for music. While playing the guitar, piano, and drums, as well as singing, he shares his talent throughout his community as he also performs at his church.
“Meeting people who shared an equal amount of love for music, such as Carson Modlics, who is an amazing pianist, the Charter system has allowed me to be able to express my love for music more often, especially in school. Whether I’m humming a song or singing, my classmates have slowly started to notice that I don’t just like music, but it’s truly a part of me,” expresses James.
Finding someone with a shared passion for music has allowed both of the boys to find their rhythm together in the hallways of Charter.
“Kameron is musically great at everything,” remarks Modlic.“It is pretty crazy because no one has really pushed me harder than him to become a better musician and when we are playing a song, it feels like we are on the same wavelength.”
Finding peace in what he loves has always been fundamental for James. He believes that his passion for running, music, and creation will never fade.
“I am glad that I have been able to find hobbies such as track and music that allow me to create community and push myself and that also ease my mind,” comments James. “I know that I will continue to pursue music outside of high school; however, as the track season comes to an end, I know that even though I may not ever run track again, it will always be an impactful part of my life.”
