by Shawn Nowlin
Miles Wilson, 18, says he is “extremely grateful” for what he was able to accomplish in high school, and even more excited about embarking on his next life chapter.
A well-rounded student-athlete, Wilson played basketball, football, and track for William Fleming while being an honor-roll student every semester. During his senior year, he served as team captain for multiple sports. Wilson has won numerous awards over the last four years but considers his most recent accomplishment among his proudest.
This year’s B’nai B’rith Athletic and Achievement Awards banquet occurred at Hotel Roanoke on June 12. Each year, the organization awards one Roanoke Valley male and female senior with the prestigious honor.
Created in 1951, nominees are chosen based on various accomplishments, both in the field of competition and the classroom. A breakdown of the award criteria is as follows: athletics (50%), scholarship (30%), and personal life (20%).
Overall, 39 students representing 23 area high schools attended this year’s ceremony. The first William Fleming student to earn the honor since Warren Craft in 2015, Wilson says he was overcome with emotions when he learned of the news.
“It was my father who told me about the history of this award and all of the people he named were individuals I look up to and respect,” he said. “To be able to receive this award is just an amazing blessing. Shout out to every other nominee because there are so many hard-working student-athletes out here.”
An entrepreneur at heart, Wilson runs his own apparel company, “Game Time.” Elaborating, he added, “So far, it’s been a nice journey. Without the support of so many, I couldn’t do it. It’s an awesome feeling to bring this award back to Fleming. I was just one of two African-Americans at the event. I love representing my people, regardless of the setting that I am in.”
Virginia Tech head football coach Brent Pry was this year’s banquet keynote speaker. Among the things he discussed with those in attendance were the core values of his program and how that translate to real life.
Come fall, Wilson will attend the University of Virginia to study mechanical engineering. Those who know the future Cavalier best say they couldn’t be prouder of him. In a congratulatory post on social media, Kelly Webster said, “You are one of the brightest, hard-working young men in the Star City. It’s been a pleasure to watch your growth over the years, and I do not doubt that you will continue to do great things in the future.”
