By Derrick Smith

Role models can play a big role in the lives of everyone, but they can be especially impactful on the lives of high school student-athletes. They not only help them become a better athlete, but they also help them grow as a person. 

Perry’s Caden Hall says that his biggest role model is someone that he is very close to. “The biggest role model in my life would have to be my dad,” he said. “He pushes me to be great and has taught me to always give my best in everything I do.”

Hall is a junior at Perry High School, where he is a member of the football, basketball, and track teams. He plays running back and strong safety on the football field, while on the hardwood, he plays at guard and forward. 

There is a lot that goes into becoming a successful athlete at any level, but Hall says that you cannot just work when you feel like it. “In order to become a successful athlete, you have to put in the work every day,” he said. “There cannot be any days off. Also, you have to lead the team to make everyone around you better.”

Caden has enjoyed some great moments with his teams but he says that this past season as a whole was his favorite. “The highlight moment of my career was probably this last season,” he said. “I knew I was going to have to step up and really lead the team with my voice and with my play.”

As a student, Hall has sat through many teacher’s classes, but he says that there is one teacher that has made a big impact on him. “My favorite teacher was my United States History teacher last year, Mrs. Chenoweth,” he said. “She was a very good teacher and she made sure we were understanding what she was teaching.”

Along with playing sports, Caden is also active in other parts of the school. He is a member of the student council, the interact club, and he was a student Rotarian in the fall.