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A Step Above: Raymond Polydoor
West Career and Technical Academy
Class of 2019
The power to persevere is strong in West Career and Technical Academy graduate Raymond Polydoor, who admits that, although he may not be the best at everything, he’s also not the type of person to give up after one try. That he’s willing to push his own limits and overcome any challenge or barrier is evident in his many accomplishments as an outstanding student and committed athlete. With ambitions that include majoring in psychology, becoming an occupational therapist and running a music blog that helps local talent get noticed, it doesn’t look like he’ll be slowing down any time soon. Hard working, passionate, and always willing to go that extra mile, Raymond Polydoor is– A Step Above.
G.P.A.:4.15
Sports/Clubs:
- Varsity Track and Field, 2015-2017
- Varsity Track and Field 4×400 Runner, 2016-2017
- Varsity Track and Field 4×200 Runner, 2016-2017
- Varsity Track and Field 400 Meter Dash Runner, 2015-2017
- Varsity Track and Field 200 Meter Dash Runner, 2015-2017
- Student Council, 2017-2019; Head of Logistics and Tech, 2018-2019
- Black Student Union, 2017-2019; Historian, 2018-2019
- Thirst Project Organization, 2015-2019
- Community Outreach and Service Team, 2018-2019
- Human Relations, 2015-2017
Awards/Community Service:
- Honor Roll, 2015-2018
- Sports Medicine Program Completion, 2015-2019
- Career Ready, 2018
- Advanced Honors Diploma, 2019
- Glass House, 2017
- Clean The World, 2017-2019
- Three Square Food Bank, 2018
- Serving Our Kids Food Drive, 2018
- Operation School Bell, 2018
- Rock n’ Roll Marathon Volunteer, 2018
- Live Hope Lupus Walk, 2018
- One Drop Walk for Water, 2018
Can you give us an example of how perseverance has helped you navigate a challenging situation? “Math, for example, has never been one of my strongest subjects. Every math problem has multiple ways to solve it. If I have trouble learning the provided way, I will look online for other methods. Outside of class, I use perseverance to build my passion in music production. When I get stuck and cannot figure out the correct sounds to use, I find other ways to deal with the stress instead of completely giving up.”
You struggled with stuttering from a young age, yet have come to embrace it. How did that happen? “Before my first day of high school, my brother, Jarren, gave me a pep talk to ease my nerves. He told me that there is no such thing as perfect; every single person has their flaws. This motivation has made me the man I am today. Instead of isolating my stuttering, I embrace it and allow it to happen. Instead of being hesitant and reluctant, I blossomed to become a confident, goofy individual.”
What have you enjoyed most about your community service endeavors? “My favorite community service endeavor is Operation School Bell. This service team collects unwanted clothes, books, blankets, and school necessities and creates care packages for kids. I enjoyed this event so much, because throughout the whole process, I knew that I was going to make a kid’s day. A lot of us take for granted and don’t see how some families can’t afford basic needs.”
Why is music such an important part of your life? “Music is such an important part of my life because it helps me figure out solutions to problems when I am down. I listen to music every possible time of the day. Music has assisted me to find my true self and my passion.”
