TU: Scholar Athlete: Parker’s Kyle Kauffman

Link to article: http://jacksonville.com/sports/high-schools/2017-06-25/tu-scholar-athlete-parker-s-kyle-kauffman

The salutatorian in Parker’s Class of 2017, baseball star Kyle Kauffman had a 4.8 weighted GPA.

During his junior season, Kauffman led the Braves to the Region 1-6A baseball finals, the best playoff run in more than a decade for the program. He went 8-2 on the mound that season and hit .320 while playing in the outfield. As a senior co-captain, Kauffman went 7-2 with a 1.23 ERA and hit .333.

Off the field, Parker teacher, assistant athletic director and pitching coach Richard Naumann describes Kauffman as relentless in his attention to details and efforts to help out.

“I have known him since he was 9 years old and he is one of the most respectful, disciplined and driven students I have seen,” Naumann wrote. “No matter how overwhelming things may seem, Kyle always has a positive attitude and gets the job done. He asks for help when needed, but gives help without hesitation.”

KYLE KAUFFMAN, PARKER

Parents: Todd and Becky Kauffman

College choice: Florida State College at Jacksonville

Intended field: Computer science

IN HIS WORDS

Greatest lesson learned in high school: “The greatest lesson I learned in high school is that you must be able to work with others to survive. No aspect of life can be mastered without the assistance of another. To survive you must not only be willing to work with others but you must also be willing to help others in return.”

Greatest high school memory: “My greatest high school moment is the moment I walked across the stage and it struck me that I was finally done with this stage of my life and I could move on to the next exciting stage.

Greatest achievement in sports: “Making it to the regional championship my junior year in baseball, as well as being name All conference my senior year for pitching.”

Greatest achievement outside of sports: “Being named salutatorian and finishing the international baccalaureate program.”

Greatest challenge facing his generation: “The development of technology. The other young men and women of my generation have become so reliant on technology that if they were to ever lose it they would be hard pressed to survive. I believe my generation must adapt to living both with and without the technology in order to keep advancing.”

Athlete he most admires: “Derek Jeter. He was able to have a remarkable career while being a role model for millions of young men and women who aspire to be just like him.”

Person he most admires: “My parents, Todd and Becky, as I now am able to recognize the sacrifices they have made to allow me to advance to where I am today. They have made me the man I am and keep push me to be the best I can be.”

Dream job: “Like most athletes, my dream job is to play the sport I love professionally. I would love to play in the MLB. Outside of professional baseball my dream job would probably be either a doctor of some sort or a form of engineer.”

In 10 years he will be: “I will be advancing in whichever field I have chosen, may it be sports, medical or engineering. I will have begun my life and have contributed to my community by giving back through community projects.”