Columbia (WACH)- McLeod Best is a senior at Irmo High school and he is leading the school scene as an excellent role model. As he walks into his cadet class he is met with some well deserved applause from classmates. He was nominated by Margaret Butler one of his instructors.
McLeod has a four-point-seven GPA and has served on the student council and general assembly. The 17-year-old is also an active member in his church's youth group encouraging others to rise about the influence of drugs and alcohol.
McLeod says, "I don't ever try to judge anyone and so I just decline it and say thanks for the invite but I'm not into it"
McLeod says he's seen what can happen. "I feel comfortable in my own skin. I don’t need to impress anyone. I'm happy being who I am."
Fellow students say he's a great advocate for living drug, alcohol and tobacco free. But McLeod remains modest even taking time from his time in the spotlight to talk about his role model his father.
"I like to brag on him because he's coached me since I was five. He coaches my basketball team now. Regardless of what I do he's always been a part of my life," says McLeod.
He says he’ll continue to be the best student, friend, teammate and family member he can be while living free of negative influences around him.
A big congratulations to McLeod Best our November Teen to WACH. And for being such a wonderful example for others he also gets an I-Pod courtesy of Best Buy.