Sometimes the one piece of advice you get proves to be the one to ignore.
More than six years ago, the Mikel family was stationed in Florida. They had received orders that they were next heading up to Hampton Roads.
Like any family about to settle into a new area, Lawrence’s parents talked with neighbors, colleagues and friends looking for advice on good schools in the area. They were given one simple message.
Stay out of Norfolk and avoid Green Run.
Today, having spent four years at Green Run High School, Lawrence Mikel takes exception to that advice.
The Stallion senior, who has a 3.96 GPA and is ranked fourth in his class, openly talks about the important role the staff at Green Run played in his high school career.
It was his counselor, Timothy Gamble, who saw his potential as an incoming freshman and put him in the school’s Early Scholars program. Then, later, Gamble combined forces with Mikel’s mother to get him to take a more rigorous course load.
“They kind of tag-teamed me and pushed me into AP courses,” Lawrence said. “I wouldn’t have done it without them.”
As a senior, he still regularly visits his former teachers. In fact, he asked his social studies teacher from his freshman year to write his letters of recommendation for college.
“The teachers, just their attitude to their students, I was blessed to have (them),” he said. “That’s something good to take away from school – beyond just an education.”
Although, Mikel is also proud of the opportunities his education is providing him.
As a freshman, he did well in his core classes and enjoyed the ease with which he handled his coursework.
Then, came the tag-team.
Mikel ended up relenting and, in his sophomore year, signed up for his first (of many) AP courses.
“It hit me: This isn’t as easy as regular core classes,” he said. “I had to come home and study for quizzes and tests.”
But it was well worth it.
“I feel like when you really have to work for (something), when you get that accomplishment, it feels better than when you’re breezing through it,” Mikel said.
This year, specifically, Mikel was dealt a whole new set of circumstances that he would have to work through.
After experiencing sleeping trouble at the beginning of the school year, Mikel went to the doctor’s office, where he was diagnosed with diabetes. On top of balancing a rigorous academic course load, applying to colleges and keeping up his conditioning for his soccer season, Mikel now had to set up a new diet regimen and new routine, including checking his blood throughout the day to monitor his sugar levels.
However, Mikel took even this new change in stride.
“I won’t call it an obstacle because it’s not keeping me from doing what I really want to do in life,” Mikel said. “I’ll just say it’s a hurdle.”
This optimistic attitude is just one of the attributes that school leaders say they have observed in working with Mikel.
“Lawrence is a tremendously motivated young man who is an exemplary role model for students at Green Run High School,” said Green Run principal Todd Tarkenton. “Lawrence is one who leads by example (and) he represents all that is good and wonderful in Stallion Country.”
As Mikel looks to the future, he is seriously considering the field of engineering. Until graduation comes, though, Mikel remains resolved to push himself – and his classmates at Green Run – as hard as possible.
“It’s not so much where you go to school; it’s your attitude going in to school,” Mikel said. “I came in looking to bring my dreams to life and that’s what’s going to happen.”
Q&A
What’s the last book you read? The Scarlet Letter
What’s your favorite TV show? Ridiculousness
What’s your best study tip? You have to find a study method that works for you.
Who is your favorite President? Obama. He brought about a shift in the way America sees itself.
Great message all around. Amazing staff & students can be found everywhere. Unbeknownst to me until my junior year, folks in surrounding schools districts would talk down about the high school I attended; without even knowing about the amazing classes and opportunities (let alone staff and parental involvement). Congratulations on all of your efforts, Lawrence, and kudos for recognizing those who’ve encouraged your along the way.
Great Article! Proud to be a Stallion parent!
Lawrence hit the nail on the head – having a good attitude makes all the difference. And when the parents support their children and school, great things happen. Lawrence is also part of our Youth Program at NAS Oceana/Midway Manor, and he is admired by all the staff and kids, too. My best to you Lawrence, as you decide which College/University to attend. Wherever you go, the school will be the one that benefits.
School Liaison Officer
NAS Oceana
Just awesome !! I’m so proud of Lawrence job well done continue to thrive for the best .
Good job Lawrence! I too came from a military family and ended up at Green Run, I loved it! Awesome teachers and great adventures, I don’t know where I’d be without them.
Congratulations Lawrence,
Keep dreaming…….
You Can Be Whatever You Want To Be!
by: Donna Levine
There is inside you
All of the potential
To be whatever you want to be;
All of the energy
To do whatever you want to do.
Imagine yourself as you would like to be,
Doing what you want to do,
And each day, take one step
Towards your dream.
And though at times it may seem too
difficult to continue,
Hold on to your dream.
One morning you will awake to find
That you are the person you dreamed of,
Doing what you wanted to do,
Simply because you had the courage
To believe in your potential
And to hold on to your dream.
Peace
This article is Awesome!Lawrence,I could not be more proud of you! You are a great leader and many will follow.Thank you for sharing your story and wish you continued success!
Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement and congratulations. It has been a blessing seeing how my story has touched and hearing how it has inspired others.
Wow! Lawrence’s story brought a tear to my eye. Way to go Lawrence! Green Run is an outstanding school. I know first-hand. It’s time for the community to give it the chance it deserves and not rely on rumors and the past. This is a top-notch, 21st Century school producing our next leaders. Looking forward to seeing your accomplishments, Lawrence!
I am so proud of the student Lawrence has become. When I first met him at the initial Early Scholars meeting before his freshman year I knew he was bound for greatness. Lawrence, I promised I would be at graduation and I will be. Finish strong.
Lawrence this is an outstanding article! I understand why your mom is so proud of you, so am I. Continue to have an excellent senior year! Much Love Sister Karen…
Fantastic Job…I live in the Green Run community. My son will be attending the High School in two years and I am looking forward to all the opportunities that will be provided. Keep up the great job young man and know that “the sky is the limit”. Greatness will continue to surround you in all arenas of your life.
Lawrence is an amazing young man.He shows great respect for himself and others. I expect nothing but great things from such a wonderful role model. Young people can learn a lot through his attitude, his habits and fortitude. May you have a blessed future