Teachers and coaches can make lifelong impacts on the lives of their students. While the lessons they teach and practices they run are important, the example they are to them goes a lot further. Raylynn Calvert has two people in her school that made a big impact on her life and helped her become the person she is.

“Lindsey Smith teaches fourth grade language arts,” she said. “She was one of my first teachers when we moved Jones and has been by my side ever since. She is like a second mom and is always there in a pinch. She has come over to do my makeup and hair whenever I need the help. She attends my sporting events and always supports me. Next to my mom and dad, she is my biggest fan. Not only is she a teacher but she is a friend. Coach Fielder is my biggest influence for track and cross country. He pushes me further than I think I can go and motivates me to be a better athlete and student. His faith and dedication in my success gives me the courage to go beyond what I think I can do.”

Raylynn is a freshman at Jones High School, where she is a multi-sport athlete. She plays softball, runs track, and is a member of the cross country team. Outside of athletics, she is also a part of the band and the National Junior Honor Society.

Calvert has worked hard to become the athlete that she is today and she says that she knows what it takes to be the best.

“Setting a goal and working towards it is important if you want to be successful,” she said. “I want to finish in the top five at the All-State meet this year and to achieve that goal it takes practice, perseverance, and dedicating time outside of the scheduled practice times. I keep myself motivated by focusing on getting better each time I compete. I don’t want to be average, I want to excel and be the best. Ultimately, I want to get a scholarship and go college.”