It may surprise you to read that Korbin Burke, Sedona Red Rock High School’s 2023 class valedictorian, is not reliant on caffeine.
Instead, he says he focuses on actually sleeping in order to play a variety of sports, graduate with an associate’s degree and work a part-time job.
“His motivation to be successful is what gives him the energy for all that,” former SRRHS head cross country coach Ben Scamihorn said. “For whatever he’s doing, he wants to be performing at the highest level possible and that is where his drive comes from.”
Burke’s drive was on display in both SRRHS soccer and cross country which he participated in concurrently, helping his soccer team reach the playoffs and qualifying for the state finals in cross country. This year, Burke did track in place of cross country, specializing in the mile and the 800-meter dash.
Burke said that cross county was his specialty during high school because “you can definitely see the results” based on the amount of effort you put into training.
“When you pass somebody in a race or when you finish your race with a new personal best, it’s a feeling that you can’t get anywhere else because it’s your own hard work and dedication that allows you to get these new times you weren’t able to get before,” Burke said.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Burke will graduate as a first-generation college student with an associate’s degree from Yavapai College as part of the Early College Program ahead of his high school graduation, which will take place on Wednesday, May 24.
“Our senior year was a lot different from everybody else’s,” Burke said. “I went to the Yavapai campus and drove there three times a week for biology and math. After my class, I would usually drive to Red Rock High School and go to [sports] practice. If there were schedule conflicts between school and class, you had to choose one. Then you had to make up tests and that got tough along the way.”
Adding to that stress was three to four shifts a week as a server at Pago’s in the Village of Oak Creek. Burke said pepperoni is his favorite topping and that the sweet and savory combination means that pineapple has earned its place as a pizza topping.
“I had like maybe one energy drink this entire year, and it wasn’t even for school,” Burke said. “I was driving really late at night, and I still had a long way to go over a three-day weekend trip with my friends to San Diego. The drive at night when you’re all tired and delirious listening to music, such as Kid Cudi, with your friends. It’s something you can’t really get anywhere else.”
Carefree memories like that are perhaps less common after going through high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burke felt that life seemed “a lot more laid back, a little easier before COVID,” he said. “After COVID, there’s always something that’s making life a little harder.”
One of Burke’s most difficult experiences was the death of his father two years ago, but “he has shown great strength, determination, and passion to overcome obstacles,” SOCSD Superintendent Dennis Dearden said.
“When my dad passed away, it was especially hard to continue going through school,” Burke said. “But with the help of my friends and family, I was able to push through.
My dad was always inspiring me and telling me to do my best and everything, school, life, whatever I set my mind to … I still think of him when I’m trying to achieve my goals.”
“Korbin has always displayed a remarkable gift in mathematics throughout his educational career,” Dearden said. “Korbin’s academic accomplishments have been exemplary, not only at Sedona Red Rock, but also Yavapai College. For all his academic success, Korbin is also an incredibly compassionate and caring individual. He has always been willing to help and encourage his fellow classmates.”
Burke has been awarded $7,000 in local scholarships and Pell Grant and merit-based scholarships to attend Arizona State University, where he will study mechanical engineering with the goal of working in the medical or aerospace industries.
SRRHS’ graduation is Wednesday, May 24.
