Korlee Cunningham Martin

Every individual’s life is a unique story, filled with joys, challengesandmomentsthat shape their character. In the case of Korlee Cunningham-Martin, an eighteen-yearold student at Madill High School, her journey is one of determination,resilienceand remarkable achievements.

Born to Chase and Savannah Martin, Korlee is the eldest of their two children, with a younger brother namedKamden.Shesaidher family is a source of love, support, and inspiration in her life. Korlee’s grandparents, includingKerriMartin,Gerri Lynn Morgan, Paula Colber, and the late Arnold and Carlene Elizabeth Harvey, have also played an influential role in shaping her values.

Korlee is a senior at Madill High School and has been actively involved in various activities, showcasing her passion for sports and leadership. She has excelled in cross countryandtrack,earningan impressive collection of over onehundredandtwentymedals combined. Her commitment and dedication to these sports were recognized when shereceivedtheAthleteofthe Week award in cross country, a testament to her talent and hard work.

However, life is not always a smooth journey, and Korlee faced a significant setback duringherjunioryear.Aknee injury hindered her ability to participate in basketball and prevented her from running track. Overcoming this obstacle proved to be a challenging task, but Korlee’s determination and resilience shone through. Despite not performing at her best in cross country, she persevered and managed to improve her two-mile race times by an astounding three minutes. This display of strength and perseverance is a testament to her character and mental fortitude.

In her athletic pursuits, Korlee draws inspiration from her mother, who shares her love for running and excelled in the sport. She said her parents are a constant source of inspiration and support. They have not only nurtured her athletic talents but also guided and raised both Korlee and her brother, even during challenging times. Korlee said she recognizes the love and guidance she has received fromherparents,shapingher into the person she is today.

According to Korlee, acknowledging her journey would be incomplete without expressing gratitude to the coaches who have played a significant role in her life. Coach E, who has been her head coach in both track and cross country for the past seven years, holds a special placeinherheart.Theshared laughs, inside jokes, and guidance have created cherished memories that Korlee will carry with her.

Coach Callison, another influential figure in her life, has been like a best friend, offering support and a safe space to be herself. Additionally, Coach Runyan, with whom Korlee played basketball for four years, has never failed to make her feel like she was still part of the team,thoughshewasinjured her junior season. Finally, Coach Mchatton, who has madeasubstantialimpacton the program in the last three years, has also contributed to her growth and development as an athlete and individual.

As Korlee prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, she plans to continue her athletic journey by running cross country and track at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. This opportunity is a testament to her talent and dedication and is a fitting reward for her hard work and perseverance.

Reflecting on her experiences, Korlee imparts valuable advice to younger students. She encourages them to always believe in themselves and not let anyone, even their closest friends, make them feel inadequate. She emphasized the importance of being authentic and not being intimidated by older students, as they too were once in their shoes. It is evident that Korlee’s journey has instilled in her a sense of wisdom beyond her years, and she is eager to pass on her insights to future generations.

In conclusion, Korlee’s story is one of triumph over adversity, perseverance in the face of setbacks and remarkable achievements. Her passion for sports, leadership roles in various organizations and unyielding determination have shaped her into an inspiring individual. With the unwavering support of her family, the guidance of her coaches, and her own inner strength, she is poised to make a difference in the world. As she leaves Madill schools behind, she carries with her a deep appreciation forheralmamaterandtheinvaluable life lessons she has learnedalongtheway.Korlee is a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset.