Yosef Solomon
Yosef Solomon is a senior at Ben Davis High School and one of the hardest working young men both academically and athletically. Yosef first off excels academically despite his learning disability; always pushing himself to get the best score or grade possible. While this may not reflect in him being in the Top Thirty (currently ranked 127 of 1077), he many times has missed practice to stay after to work on improving his academics. He currently holds a 4.1 GPA. While many other students are focused on video games, TV shows, etc Yosef has become a dedicated student. He studies and works to be the best student he can be. It’s his other characteristics; however, that make him such a special young man. Running cross country and track, especially distance, requires dedication and perseverance. He is continually trying to improve himself and his times by running every single day. Yosef has dealt with some injury issues over his four years of running. While many athletes would give up, Yosef has always bounced back from the injury ready to train and try and better himself. Yosef has, similar to his academics, always pushed himself to be his best. He went from being an average runner his freshmen year to being our number one runner the past few years on very good teams. He has been instrumental in helping Ben Davis qualify for the Semi-State meet the last 2 years (their first time being back-to-back since the early 2000s.) He also has been All-MIC, All-County, All-Sectional and All-Regional. As you can tell, Yosef is not fine with being mediocre. No matter what it is whether academics, athletics or other areas of life he wants to be the best and do his best. He is very driven to be better and not settle for mediocrity.
In addition to the above listed abilities by Yosef to become a great student and athlete, Yosef is also involved in several other organizations to better himself. He has been a participant and mentor for YOuth Leadership Opportunity (YOLO) due to his leadership abilities. He was also one of only seven juniors at Ben Davis last year chosen to attend the Corteva (formerly DOW Agrosciences) Leadership Initiative with six other high schools like Zionsville, Tindley and others. He stays connected to his Jewish Synagogue giving back and leading there also. He has helped to organize and lead fundraisers and other activities for his synagogue and others around Indianapolis. He also helps outside the school and in our community by volunteering at his local humane society. Being a member of track and cross country, YOLO, and the other organizations listed above, Yosef comes in contact with more than just one clique or group at Ben Davis. This shows the type of well-rounded student and person that he is. It will also serve him well as a class officer and when he attends college. He will be able to work with people from all backgrounds regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, areas of interest, and academic levels. He is the true epitome of a student-athlete - someone who can balance a busy schedule, yet also be successful in all areas that he pursues and not just be average.  As you can tell, Yosef demonstrates his traits as a Yes I Can Student everyday. Congratulations, Yosef on being presented the 2021 YES, I CAN! Award for the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children.