By Drew Dargavell, WKTV Sports Intern
ken@wktv.org
This year, the student-athletes were honored at halftime of the boys high school basketball championships at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University. And among those students awarded was Wyoming High School’s Avery Robinson III.
“It was a great experience, not only being surrounded by all those fans, but also meeting other scholar athletes. It was incredible.” Avery said to WKTV after being honored at the Breslin Center.
“It’s great to be recognized for all the hard work I’ve put in for the past four years,” Robinson said. “But I also feel like it’s a representation of how great the Wyoming community is and all the hard work they put in to their students and their athletes.”
To be eligible for this award, the student must have a 3.50 GPA or better and have earned a varsity letter in an MHSAA-sponsored sport — and Robinson is gifted both athletically and academically.
He lettered in three sports including track and field, tennis and golf. He was varsity in track all four years and was the school’s only pole vaulter. In tennis, he played No. 1 singles, and finished in first place at two invitationals this past season and was named all-conference in the OK-Gold division. Avery was even named the West Michigan Fox Motors Athlete of the Week in October 2018.
Robinson tries to go above and beyond in all of his sports, activities and academics, according to track coach Brent VanEnk.
“Every time we’re at the meet he says ‘What do you need me for coach?’ and especially as a high school coach, that’s great to have,” VanEnk said about his lone pole vaulter. “I couldn’t think of anyone better, especially in this school, to get that award.”
Not only does he work hard in athletics but Robinson excels in his studies as well, accumulating a 4.15 GPA, while taking a total of nine AP classes during his junior and senior years.
He is also very involved in extracurricular groups and community service. He is the President of the school’s National Honors Society, an officer of the Key Club, a drum major for the marching band, a participant in the science olympiads, and he qualified for state in Business Professionals of America.
“Time management is very important,” Robinson said on juggling his academics and extracurriculars. “Keeping priorities, I usually try to do one thing at a time and strike a balance by scheduling and organizing.”
The next step for the soon-to-be Wyoming grad is choosing a four-year university. He has several offers on the table, but is still in the decision-making process. He hopes to pursue social sciences and possibly go the pre-law route.
