Carmello Anthony Henderson
Atlanta High School
When Carmello Anthony Henderson walks across the stage at graduation in May of this year, he will be scanning the crowd for his biggest inspiration and advocate–his dad. “Throughout my life, I’ve only had one person in my corner: my father, Anthony Henderson. I don’t come from very much, but even so, my dad motivated me to do my best in everything I do. He worked hard, and I wouldn’t be the man I am today without him,” Carmello says. “I also have three older brothers—Isaiah, Kobee, and Anfernee Henderson. My brothers have unique personalities, and growing up with them helped build my persona and character.”
After graduating from Atlanta High School, Carmello plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering. “Until my senior year, I didn’t know what my career path would be. I have always loved science and space but could never put my finger on a specific career path,” Carmello says. “That all changed when I met Steve Clarke, a consultant for Sierra Space. After he described the projects he worked on, I was hooked; I knew exactly what I wanted for my career.”
Atlanta’s school district helped support Carmello’s future goals and dreams. Carmello takes STEM classes, and this year, the school’s administration gave the STEM classes materials to compete in VEX robotics. “This robotics competition requires a high degree of engineering techniques alongside teamwork. Not only were we introduced to Vex robotics, but I was also helped personally with tips and opportunities,” Carmello says. “My counselor, Stacy Anthony, helped me make a college decision and found internship opportunities for me. Atlanta has put staff like her in all pathways, helping students reach their goals easily.”
Carmello has signed up for as many extracurricular activities as possible in school. He has competed in football, track and field, band, DECA, and academic UIL competitions, including those in the audio-visual production (AVP) field. However, the accomplishment he is most proud of is being a part of the Atlanta High School band’s first-ever medal in the UIL 3A State Marching State Contest. “Our band has always done an excellent job making it to the state contest,” Carmello says. “However, we could never medal at the contest or finish in the top three. This year, we finally cleared that hurdle.”
Carmello says that the band has worked hard since the beginning of last summer to meet this goal. Through the blazing heat and freezing cold, they could be found practicing repeatedly. “Throughout each practice, our director, Keith Sanders, told us that if we wanted the medal, we had to work for it. He always said, ‘The ball is in your court,'” Carmello says. “The hard work and joy on my band members’ faces made medaling my most proud accomplishment.”
Carmello believes that he learned the theme of working hard to meet goals throughout his academic and extracurricular experiences at Atlanta High School. “These are skills that I know I will continue to apply in my everyday life and future career,” Carmello says. “I have also come to see that there is always something useful or helpful to learn, and having the knowledge for anything will help everything in the long run.”
Though he enjoys his activities, Carmello does wish he had a little more time to relax during his senior year. Most of his time at home is just for sleeping and preparing for the day. However, he does enjoy going to the gym to work out. “I work out and study as much as possible to better myself,” Carmello says. “My goal is to be the best man I can be, and I really get that mentality from my dad. He instilled the values of hard work and resilience within me.”
Carmello plans to use his determination to reach his future goal of being an aerospace engineer, but even that is just a start. “First, I’m going to major in aerospace and minor in entrepreneurship in college,” Carmello says. Then, after working in the aerospace industry, I plan to be an entrepreneur and start my own business in aerospace.”
Fun Facts:
1. My favorite teacher or coach in high school is Coach Baca because he is outgoing and has a personality that you don’t find in most teachers. I enjoy being in his classes.
2. The one piece of advice that I would give to high school freshmen is to stay on top of their work because high school is completely different from middle school. If you don’t, you will fall behind fast.
3. The song I always associate with high school is “Beat It” by Michael Jackson.
4. The most interesting thing about me that you wouldn’t learn from my high school resume or transcript is that I am a gym rat. I love going to the gym and working out.
5. In ten years, I want to be a successful entrepreneur in the aerospace industry because I want to make a lot of money and discover what is beyond our solar system.