Rejoice Ogbonna: Austin Achieve

For Rejoice Ogbonna, a senior at Austin Achieve, sports are an important part of her life. Whether she is involved with basketball, volleyball, track or soccer, she is constantly staying busy. As much as she loves the competitive aspect of sports, it is what these activities have done for her that mean more.

Sports were a big learning experience for her. Rejoice fell in love with sports not only because she was great, but also because of the lessons they taught. Whether it was discipline, tenacity, or just simply listening and learning; Rejoice was always looking to learn.

The learning paid off as well and has translated into numerous awards. In seventh grade, her first year playing sports, Rejoice was MVP of both volleyball and basketball. More recently she was the MVP in basketball her junior year, defensive player of the year in volleyball, as well as placing first in the 100-meter dash and second in the 100-meter relay.

Rejoice is also a quick learner in the classroom. Currently fifth in her class, the senior also has won a Scholar of the Year award for history. The love of learning is not just something she keeps for herself; she actively looks to share it.

In her free time, Rejoice finds herself volunteering with a group that teaches the benefits of STEM to kids. It focuses on the fun aspects of STEM, and how it impacts the world around us. Rejoice also volunteers at her church whenever they need help.

The senior will continue her academic career at Texas State, where she will pursue her career as an athletic trainer.

J’den Wilson: Commerce Tigers

Sports have been a big part of J’den Wilson’s life for as long as he can remember. The senior finds himself playing whatever sport is available at the time, though his favorite is baseball. The love of sports has been passed down to him by his uncle and brother.

“I wouldn’t be who I am without sports. They have helped me focus and change the way I think.” J’den said.

Through hard work and perseverance, J’den has gained the confidence to believe in himself through sports. This belief has only been affirmed when looking at the recognition he’s received. J’den added his school’s Athletic Excellence award recently to go along with plenty of others. He has also been recognized as a first team all-district player in football, utility player of the year in baseball, sixth man of the year in basketball and made it to the regional finals of track.

The awards are not just relegated to athletics either. J’den has maintained the A-honor roll all throughout high school, something that he takes pride in. He also won the Mr. CHS award at his high school, a prestigious award given to a student that has been exemplary.

Even with keeping himself busy in sports and in the classroom, J’den still finds himself helping in the community. He volunteers at a museum making sure it always looks nice as well as refs at the local kids games. He and his family also spend Christmas’ with his family at the Commerce Nursing home doing gift exchanges. 

J’den will be continuing his football career at Stephen F Austin University where he wants to study Health Sciences and one day become a doctor, no doubt using the confidence in himself he learned through sports.