Teen All-Stars: Jr. Frontiers, volunteering change Campbell

KERRY CAMPBELL

ABOUT KERRY

Parent: Oneka Roach-Campbell

School: New Hartford Senior High School

Plans for next year: Attending Wesleyan University on a football commitment

Career goals: Pharmacy or medical doctor

Widely-respected by New Hartford High School staff as a "high-character kid" and a "quiet leader," football co-captain and accomplished musician Kerry Campbell is the son of a single mother from Trinidad and Tobago who, as a first-generation American, realized early on that he was "charged to pursue and conquer the American Dream."

Inspired by his active membership in the Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley and opportunities like volunteering for the food drive at the Johnson Park Center and distributing COVID mitigation supplies, Kerry is committed to "defining who I am to the world and not allowing the world to define me."

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a member of the Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley?

I've learned to be proactive in all aspects of my life. To get the best out of life, I have to stand up and take what I want. Greatness doesn't come from dormancy.

What is your favorite high school memory and why?

My favorite memory would have to be my first day at New Hartford Senior High School. I was the new kid coming all the way from Houston, Texas. It was a drastic change to an entirely new area, but I was excited to meet new people. I remember walking in and seeing a few guys from my team (we met earlier during summer practices), and feeling relieved because at least I knew some people. As I walked to my first class I just remember being stopped at every corner with questions. "Are you the kid from Texas?" "You don't look like a Kerry," "You play football right?" It was overwhelming at first, but I had never had so many people genuinely interested in knowing me before. I knew everyone within the first week, and it's been a wonderful experience since then.

How do you hope to "reach back and support" this community?

I hope to be a mentor to anyone after me trying to go down a similar path. Through the Junior Frontiers, I've learned the path to a child's success is much easier with the right guidance, encouragement, and love.