Mayfield High School senior William Higginson said he doesn’t like to do anything halfway. He’s been involved in sports all his life, and he sees his position on the team as good training for life. Higginson has to work hard, or another talented athlete could take his spot, he said. He is this week’s Mid-Continent University Teen of the Week. | Photo used with permission.
Playing Mayfield High School football has changed the way William Higginson views things.
Higginson said his team is filled with talented players, and if he doesn't focus, he could easily be replaced. It's how he imagines the workplace. If he's not working hard enough, he might not keep his job. And Higginson doesn't want to do anything half-hearted.
William Higginson, son of William and Angela Higginson, is the Mid-Continent University Teen of the Week. Each Monday, the Sun features a different MCU Teen of the Week selected from nominees who high school guidance counselors throughout western Kentucky and southern Illinois submit to the Sun. Mid-Continent University will provide each Teen of the Week with a $2,500 annual scholarship to its university, which is renewable for four years. In the spring, a Teen of the Year will be chosen from the weekly winners and will receive a full four-year scholarship to Mid-Continent University, currently valued at up to $55,000, or a cash reward of $2,500 paid through the Paducah Sun if the student selects another college to attend.
He's been playing sports since he was young. Whether it's baseball, basketball, track or football, Higginson said his commitment to sports has made him more mature. He also keeps a sturdy grade point average and participates in numerous school clubs. Only recently, Higginson had to quit his job at Food Giant to give himself more time to enjoy his senior year. It's a busy schedule, but he likes being busy.
Higginson is proud of his three trips to the state high school football tournament and one championship.
"After having not only success but defeat as well, it's helped me learn that I'm not superior," he said. "I can't find myself arrogant. Losing is one of my best features because it shows what I need to do to become better."
What's meant even more to him than the team's championship and many sports awards is his work with the Future Business Leaders of America club. He and his classmates raised money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Higginson will go to Murray State University in the fall where he plans to play football and study to become a middle or high school social studies teacher.
Call Rebecca Feldhaus, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8651.
