Mikel Watson
Arkansas High School
When Mikel Watson graduates from Arkansas High School in May, he plans to continue his college education. While enrolled as an undergraduate student, he wants to pursue a degree in business administration with hopes of becoming a business manager and owner. To reach his dreams, Mikel will rely on the lessons he learned at Arkansas ISD. “I have been allowed to take concurrent classes for free and not have to worry about paying for them,” Mikel says. “They not only offer the classes needed to graduate from high school but also give me a headstart on my college classes.”
While at Arkansas High School, Mikel was involved with the basketball, football, cross country, and track teams. “I feel like my greatest accomplishment in high school is being able to maintain such a high GPA while taking concurrent and AP classes and playing multiple sports year-round without time for rest or breaks,” Mikel says. “Most of my time was spent playing sports and studying for school, and I know it will pay off in the end. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
Mikel has also been a member of the student council, Fellowship of Student Athletes (FCA), and Educators Rising at Arkansas High. “One of the biggest lessons I have learned from high school is that there is always room for improvement. Someone always comes for your spot, and you can’t let up. You always have to keep going,” Mikel says. “Another lesson I learned is that success is not given; it’s earned.”
Mikel can be found at Tower of Power Gospel Ministries and Abundant Life when he is not studying or playing sports. “These organizations are important to me because they are like a cooldown from the world as a whole,” Mikel says. I don’t have to worry about anything; I am just trying to be a better person and share that with others.”
Mikel also enjoys spending time with his family. He is the son of Michael and Venture Watson, and he has a sister, Seaira Watson. Mikel says that they have always been there to support both his sports and academic achievements. I am always grateful to them for trying to be there for everything without asking,” Mikel says. “Success inspires me because I am grateful for my parents being able to provide everything I needed. Eventually, I want to do the same for them as they have done for me. I don’t want them to keep working when they get to a certain age so that they can retire and enjoy life without having to worry about bills or things like that. I hope one day I can take care of them like they did me.”
Fun Facts:
- My two favorite teachers in high school are Mrs. McLelland and Mrs. Watson, and my three favorite coaches are Coach Richards, Coach Weaver, and Coach Williams.
- One advice I would give high school freshmen is not to take anything for granted. Once it passes, you don’t want to regret not enjoying it.
- The one song that I will always associate with high school is “Self-Love” by Coi Leray.
- The most interesting thing about me that you wouldn’t learn from my high school resume or transcript is I’m pretty funny and give great advice.
- In ten years, I hope I am successful enough to give my knowledge back to my hometown because I feel like all kids should have the keys to be successful as well.