Failure not an option for standout Bremerton student

Most high school students would be thrilled to be among the top of their class. But for Bremerton senior Kyle Campbell, ranking 6th in his class is a disappointment.

“Sadly, I was number one until the end of last year. I know that sounds kind of messed up, but I’ve just always wanted to be successful,” says the Olympic High School Senior.

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There’s been no shortage of success in Kyle’s young life. He sports a 3.9 GPA despite taking a rigorous class load that includes numerous advanced placement and honors courses.

A standout athlete, he’s the captain of the track team, qualifying for state the past few years and winning the WIAA District 3 championship in both shot put and discus. He even took up swimming for the first time last year, qualifying for the district finals and winning his team’s rookie of the year award.

“I don’t necessarily call myself smart. I just say I worked really hard,” he says.

Kyle loves a good challenge. And he’ll certainly get one when he attends the U.S. Air Force Academy this fall.

Just getting accepted was a tall task. He had to undergo a rigorous process that included getting nominated by a member of Congress, getting grilled by a panel of active and retired military members, a background check, fitness test and more that makes applying to an Ivy League school seem like child’s play.

“It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through,” he says. “I love the environment and the challenge. That’s the type of environment I have to be in to be successful.”

Kyle was born in Jamaica, and moved with his single mother to the United States as a young child. His father and two sisters still live in the island nation. Raised without a father in difficult conditions, he could have become just another statistic. But he would have none of that.

“Just seeing the school system my sister has to go through and what conditions they live in, I just see how many opportunities we have here in the U.S.”

Kyle has seen plenty of failure around him. And he says that’s simply not an option.

“I have so many friends at school, and a lot of them just aren’t going down the right path. And just seeing them and seeing what other family members are doing, not going down the right path that’s what motivates me.”

He’s also inspired to make the world a better place. He somehow finds time to volunteer regularly, working as a teen mentor with troubled youth in the community. He’s also spent plenty of time volunteering at the Bremerton Salvation Army, where as part of his senior class service project he put together dozens of “hygiene packs” he donated for homeless in the community.

“A lot of people aren’t aware of what goes on in their community and they sort of keep homeless people at a distance because they are afraid,” he says.

So how does he do it all? Discipline and dedication. Kyle keeps a tight schedule, making use of every minute possible throughout his grueling days. And he says he doesn’t watch any TV or play video games like most of his peers.

“I sort of function well in stress I put a lot of stress on myself.
I’ve never wanted to settle for mediocrity. I just go until I pass out at the end of the day,” he laughs.

KIRO Radio 97.3 FM and Comprehensive Wealth Management are proud to select Kyle Campbell as a Standout Student of the month.

Kyle is one of nine exceptional students who will be selected for a $1,000 scholarship. One of the recipients will also receive a $10,000 grand prize scholarship.