Finding His Stride: Brayden’s Transition to High School
For many students, the move from middle school to high school comes with its share of challenges — new classes, new teachers, and new routines. For senior Brayden Douglass, the journey was made smoother thanks to one key factor: the cross country team.
“I credit his transition from middle school to high school all because of the cross country team,” says his mother, Mrs. Kim Douglass. “They’re together a lot and they are very encouraging and supportive of each other.”
Though cross country is often seen as an individual sport, the tight-knit group of runners quickly became Brayden’s foundation.
“He has really good friendships and he has a really good core group of friends that I love,” Mrs. Douglass explains. “I know that Brayden’s friends would be there for him in a second, and Brayden would be there for his friends in a second.”
That sense of support and belonging has not only strengthened Brayden’s friendships but also opened new doors. Mrs. Douglass shared her surprise and pride at seeing her son become more involved than ever before.
“I never saw him wanting to be that involved, but he really loves the school so much. He just always wants to be around and help in any way he can.”
With a strong core group of friends and a community that encourages both competition and camaraderie, Brayden’s high school journey is a reminder of the power of teamwork — even in a sport where you run alone.