As educators, we often encounter students that just amaze us. Ty Ivy, head girl's track coach/throw coach at Evergreen and building computer support technician, has one such student to share with us - Devante Botello.

For as long as his mom, Toni Botello, can remember, Devante has maintained a 4.0 GPA. He works really hard in the classroom - and takes that same work ethic when he heads outdoors.

Devante is a bright star of Evergreen athletics, excelling in the Field part of Track & Field. He’s always willing to work until the work is done. He takes instruction well and never fails to impress his coach and family with amazing feats of javelin. Devante worked very hard over the summer, going to numerous clinics and track meets including the Iron Wood Throws Camp in Idaho, 2008 Washington Games, and qualifying for the 2008 Junior Olympics at the AAU Track Meet (although he was unable to make the trip to Detroit).

He’s also an outdoorsman, enjoying camping, rafting, hiking, and mountain climbing.

Devante is a sophomore who has competed in football, wrestling, swimming, and was nationally ranked (#11) among freshman javelin throwers last season. He has set both the freshman and Evergreen High School javelin records at 157’ 5”. Coach Ivy says, "By all rights, he should break the National High School Javelin Record by the end of his senior year."

“Devante’s the kind of person that you dream of coaching," says Ivy. "Whether it's in the classroom or on the track, Devante always gives everything he’s got, EVERY DAY! A great American athlete, Steve Prefontain, once said, 'To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.' Devante’s got the gift.”

TEC Principal Eric Hong echoes that thought, "Devante is a great student and works really hard. He's the kind of kid we want to hold up and recognize."