Undersized heading into high school, Kaden Perry worked tirelessly to make an impact as a three-sport athlete at Elkhart. 

“I used to be one of the smallest kids in my class freshman year. I was maybe 90 pounds coming into high school,” Perry said. “Then I was introduced to our weights program here. I was in the gym always, every day, five days a week. 

“I’m always doing something related with sports. In the morning I’m lifting. After practice I might go to the park and play basketball and then I might go to the baseball fields.”

Even outside of sports, Perry attacks the other aspects of his life with the same drive and work ethic, whether he is excelling in the classroom or volunteering for his community. 

“It’s amazing to feel like you’re giving something back for the people that have sacrificed so much for you and supported you your entire life,” said Perry, the CapFed® True Blue® Student of the Week. “Even though it’s a small town, it’s amazing to make new connections and impact people’s lives any way you can.”

Perry, now a senior, has been active in community service through STUCO, the National Honor Society and particularly Key Club, which is the high school branch of the Kiwanis International family. 

On Veterans Day earlier this week, Perry was busy putting up flags all over town. 

“It’s a great way to show your thankfulness for all the veterans in the community,” Perry said. “Key Club has a lot of opportunities to give back to the community, which is amazing.”

Perry, a 4.0 student who plays football, basketball and baseball, has also volunteered for Hands for Hope, a local non-profit organization, and helped out at events at the Elkhart elementary and middle schools. 

Elkhart athletic director Cole Parks called Perry a “dedicated, hard-working and extraordinary young man.”

“Students all around him are inspired by his leadership,” said Parks, who coaches Perry in baseball and basketball. “Kaden is present in whatever he is doing which allows him to be a role model for the younger students. This allows students to see what it takes to be successful in the classroom. Kaden has always pushed himself in the classroom by taking higher level classes and trying his best to learn and help tutor others.”

Parks said Perry’s positive attitude in practice and in the weight room has rubbed off on other Elkhart athletes. 

“Working up there with a teammate by your side is great,”  Perry said. “It just build trusts, and that’s how you build a team.”

Perry earned All-League recognition in baseball last year for the tradition-rich Wildcat program led by David Aranda. 

“The coaches around here are amazing,” Perry said. “Cole Parks really helps build the foundation. He was our Babe Ruth baseball coach and he instilled values in us. Stepping up to the high school game, there’s a lot of pride just going out there for your community and knowing that you’re giving it your all.”

Perry said he’s been accepted into Texas Tech and Oklahoma State and is considering both schools, planning on studying some aspect of Sports Medicine. 

“It’s definitely been a passion,” Perry said. “Nutrition is just as important as being in the gym. I’ve always been passionate about putting the right stuff in your body so you can be the best you can be.”

He’s enjoyed the tight-knit aspect of a small school like Elkhart. 

“It’s kind of like you’re one big family in a small town,” Perry said. “It’s great to build relationships and have them last your whole life. The community is all around you and everyone supports each other.”

Perry said he will try to soak up the rest of his senior year. 

“It hasn’t hit me too hard yet, but I’m starting to realize that everything I do is going to be the last time for my high school career,” Perry said. “I give it my all so that I know I did everything I could. It’s been great to have that passion and drive in being the best you can be.”