LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dorian Heard deserves attention for his exploits As a track star for Kentucky Country Day School. But he deserves respect for how he got there. Dorian spent his freshman year at Male High School but realized he wasn't on the right path.

Matt Jones, the football coach at KCD said, "He had a struggle his freshman year at a bigger school. He actually reached out to me on his own going into his sophomore year. He took a bus from his home to my office and sat down with me and said I need more, I can do more, I can do better. I just need a better opportunity.

Dorian took advantage of that opportunity, scoring 38 touchdowns for KDC and leading them to the best season in school history He also set the school record I the 400 meters and finished third in the state. 

But it was his performance in the classroom that maybe even more impressive.

He raised his grade point average every single year of high school and how he has a 3.2 GPA. 

"I think he has made as much progress as any student I've ever had between sophomore year and senior year," said Dorian's English teacher Davis Brown. He added, "A lot of kids who come in with deficits with sort of use that an excuse to check out or give up and I think Dorian it's been the opposite."

Dorian says he is thankful for all the help he has received.

"Over the years I got caught up with the rest of the student, but I have to thank my teachers a lot for helping me and sticking with me and helping me get there. For college, year, sports can help you get there but academics is really what they're gonna be looking for."

He has very special plans for his future.

"I would be the first one in my family to get a degree and that's gonna be something that's really big for my family and for myself of course."

Kent Martin is the Director of Upper School at KCD and he says Dorian is the total package.

"He's a community guy, he'll do whatever he needs to do for his school, to help them. He's all -in for everything. He's not just an athlete."

Dorian also volunteers with multiple charities and even plays the saxophone.

Coach Jones can't praise Dorian enough.

"Nobody's given him a thing. He's worked for everything he has. That's a testament to that young man. Special."