What it means to be a Dragon
ELIJAH BATISTE
Elijah Batiste is a hard-nosed senior who won’t take anything lightly.
He goes in the weight room first, is the last to leave, is a vocal leader on the field, and wants to see himself rise above everyone on the field.
Batiste, also known as EJ, transferred to Clinton his junior year.
When asked about some of the changes he’s seen coming into his senior year, he mentioned culture.
“From the classmates to the teachers to the community,” he said. “They have changed their perspective of our football team from thinking we’re going to lose to actually winning State.”
Elijah wants to be remembered as one of the best running backs at Clinton High School, but also as a student-athlete, above all else.
He has two main goals this season, which are rushing for more than 1,000 yards and winning a state title.
Coach Darell Keith has also made a huge impact on Batiste, much like every member of the team, school and community.
“Keith has become a father figure in my life, and given me opportunities to get offers, be a leader, and he has built me to be a real man in the society,” he said.
Elijah wants the next generation of Dragons to, “Work hard, be confident, and don’t give up on yourselves.”
When asked what it means to be a Dragon, he said:
“It means being a leader in the community and in the school.”