Classroom Champions: Chilton’s Yarida De Leon

CHILTON, Texas (KWTX) - Chilton senior Yarida De Leon is a natural born leader. You can always find her at the front of any pack.

“It inspires me to be able to lead such a terrific and hardworking group,” said De Leon. “Taking charge is just something I feel that was a gift that I’m just so honored that I can share with others.”

De Leon qualified for both the state track and cross country meets, which also included a third palace finish in the 3200 meter race. Her coach, Sierra Coleman, says she heavily relies on Yarida.

“Coaching Yadi has been very very easy because of her resiliency and determination to follow through on things,” said Coleman. “I can always count on her to be a leader and get things done. My first impression of her was a very determined individual, a hardworking individual and very resilient. That’s mainly what I love about her.”

In the classroom, De Leon has a 4.0 GPA. She’s also on track to graduate as class valedictorian.

“Waking up, knowing that I’m one-percent better, I know that increasing one-percent better each day, it will grow exponentially and I will be better,” said De Leon.

De Leon is exploring opportunities to run in college where she can also study neuroscience.

“I would like to research more about the connection between the brain, the heart, and the gut,” said De Leon. “I just think that it’s fascinating, it fascinates me and I want to know more about it and conduct research about it that will potentially help the future.”

Congratulations to Yarida De Leon, you’re a Classroom Champion!

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