High School is a significant, pivotal part of everyone’s life. It is where students experience academic growth and personal development, all while identities, interests, and opportunities are being built. Senior Derek Crumpton has spent his last four years at Athens Drive High School, where he was dedicated to both sports and education.

Crumpton was  a strong player on the Athens basketball court, football field, and track & field. He spent his years growing and training in his athletic position while developing his academic abilities as he balanced between classwork, extracurriculars, and social activities. Crumpton spent his senior year with hard work and preparation. The challenges he faced throughout high school shaped him to be who he is today and strengthened him mentally, physically, and emotionally.

“I’m gonna miss the people, a lot of people here, the teachers are cool, Athens is just a good environment,” said Crumpton.

Teachers at Athens Drive play a crucial role in motivating students and inspiring them to be the best version of themselves. One teacher who left a lasting impact on Crumpton was Janivette Perez Roman.

Perez teaches Healthful Living at Athens and spends her time coaching Team Sports and Weight Training, while also providing her support in Track & Field. Perez explains Crumpton as a great athlete, a great kid, and a great leader.

“Coach Perez is just an amazing coach; she helped me grow, especially in the track and field,” said Crumpton. 

Crumpton describes Perez as helpful and considerate. “Before she had come to the school, I wasn’t developing the numbers that I was supposed to, but when she came, it was just like a switch. I could tell she had a competitive instinct to push me,” said Crumpton.

Perez and Crumpton both said their favorite moment spent together was the tour they took to Mount Olive. The University of Mount Olive is where Crumpton decided to commit to Track and Field. University of Mount Olive is located in Mount Olive, NC, and the Track and Field program competes in the Conference Carolinas conference. It can be difficult for students to undergo the process of deciding their next steps and how they align with their future.

“I’m focusing on track & field there, I’ll be doing jumping events. I’m between two majors; it’s between forensic and sports management. I might lean towards forensics;  I’m taking a forensic class right now, and I enjoy it. Forensics is my thing, but I also like being able to manage sports teams,” said Crumpton.

For incoming freshmen, Crumpton suggests that you try to keep your grades up, especially freshman year. “That sets your base for the rest of your high school years, so you want to start your journey strong,” said Crumpton. 

Crumpton explains his favorite core memories of Athens being Indonesian Eats, which was an authentic food business that sold plates run by a student at Athens 3 years ago.¨ Around sophomore year, I was eating Indonesian Eats every day. I used to buy it every time they were selling it,” said Crumpton. 

Another core memory of his was Pepi class. “I signed up for it last semester. Everybody in here has a partner, has a friend, so we just make friends here and have a safe place to play in,” said Crumpton. Pepi is a class that focuses on helping, aiding, and assisting gym classes for special-education students.

Pepi is where Crumpton met many people he can call friends and supporters. While at Athens, Curmpton has made many connections and bonds. Although Coach Perez will remain one of his favorite teachers.

“Impactful. I would describe Derek as impactful. He always gives 110%, he gets it done, it doesn’t matter who you are, he’s good to people,” said Perez.