The dedicated and determined senior varsity football player, Jayden Sanders has been selected as the September Student ofthe Month. Football is Sander’s passion; he started playing football at the young age of three in little league. Fast forward to today. He is serving as a starter on the high school football team. He plans to continue this passion beyond high school by playing college football for the University of Michigan.
Sanders received an offer for a full ride by the University of Michigan through his football merits. While attending the University, he plans to major
in Business and pursue a career in accounting. The University is ranked number 12 out of 124 universities in the United States, for Business Schools and number 6 out of 269 for part-time MBA programs.
“I chose to verbally commit to The University of Michigan because I really like the team overall, and I believe I will succeed on the team,” Sanders said. “I’m striving to further my career in football as much as I can over my life and hopefully after college I will get the opportunity to play in the NFL.”
Football isn’t the only activity Sanders participates in. In his free time, he helps out in the community when he can. Sanders enjoys giving to others and loves to see the smiles on people’s faces. With balancing extracurricular activities, community service and staying on top of his schoolwork, it has been Sanders’s biggest challenge during high school. Despite a tight schedule, in what spare time he has, he loves hanging out with friends and playing his two favorite games, Madden and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) basketball.
“I know my friends got my back through anything; I moved to Kilgore in seventh grade, and ever since then we have been really close,” Sanders said. “What I fear most about graduating is leaving all of the friends I’ve made over the years and knowing that I won’t talk to most of them again.”
Throughout his high school journey, Sanders has relied heavily on the support of his friends, particularly his best friend, Donovan Rider. Donovan is not just a companion; he’s a source of inspiration and motivation for Sanders. With his unwavering loyalty to friends and family, Donovan embodies the qualities that Sanders admires most.
“Donovan Rider is a remarkable individual who lights up any room with his infectious smile and genuine warmth,” Sanders said. “Donovan’s quick wit and sense of humor make him a joy to be around, while his compassion and willingness to lend a helping hand truly set him apart.”
While Donovan plays a significant role in Sanders’s life, the person who has had the most profound influence is his mother. For Sanders, she is a beacon of strength and resilience. Throughout his four years at KHS, one of his proudest accomplishments has been knowing that he walked the same halls as both of his parents. With this connection to his family’s legacy it gives him a sense of pride and belonging at KHS.
“Every day I see my mom get up and work hard for the things that we want,” Sanders said. “She’s a single mom so it’s a lot for her. She hasn’t given up so it pushes me not to give up either.”