Clayton High School junior Austin Bland takes his academics seriously.
Austin has taken part in numerous academic competitions including Kiamichi Valley Academic Bowl Tournaments, the Regional Academic Bowl Tournament, District Academic Bowl Tournament, Oklahoma Class A State Academic Bowl, Southeastern Curriculum Contest –where Austin placed #1 in chemistry- Oklahoma BPA State Leadership Conference – where Austin placed 3rd in Advanced Desktop Publishing- and Business Professional of America National Leadership Conference, where Austin placed 1st in Advanced Desktop Publishing.
When asked who is his biggest influence? Austin did not hesitate.
“First, my biggest influence is God. No matter how big the achievement, I owe it all to Him. After God, my biggest influences are my dad and my two older brothers. My dad has raised me all throughout my teenage years, instilling values of integrity and responsibility. My two older brothers inspire me to be the best I can be because they are both successful. The oldest is a corporate accountant for Tyson Chicken, and the younger one is a truck driver for JB Hunt.”
In terms of a memory that he enjoys regarding his academic competitions, Austin stated, “I believe that the highlight of my academic career was receiving my first place BPA plaque in Anaheim, California, on a stage in front of approximately 6,000 people.”
In regards to what Austin believes has gotten him to the level of academic achievements, Austin stated, “It has taken grit and willpower. I am generally a quick learner, but that doesn’t mean that school doesn’t get tough at times. I often have to put in extra time to study and cover material so that I can excel in each subject.”
After graduating from Clayton High School, Austin says he plans to continue his academics by seeking higher education.
“I plan to attend a two-year college, most likely Eastern Oklahoma State College, and then transfer the credits to a four-year College- The University of Arkansas and The University of Oklahoma come to mind- to become a corporate accountant like my oldest brother.”
