Juniors Amber Akin and Derek Meeks were rewarded with an academic all-state award, an honor given to student-athletes who maintain a 3.75 grade point average or higher and place under 30th at the state meet. This achievement is so rare that only two other cross country runners, senior Margo Wieschhaus, who received it last year and Kelsey O’Hera who received the award in 2006  have been given this honor in the past 15 years since Mill Valley’s opening.

Akin and Meeks will be recognized, along with Wieschhaus on Thursday, March 12 at a winter sports recognition assembly.

Meeks said he was not expecting the award but is happy he received it.

“It feels pretty good,” Meeks said. “It’s nice to know I am being recognized for things I do aside from cross country.”

Even with this exceptional accomplishment, Meeks and Akin still look to improve.

They agreed that their goals for the 2016 season are to place again at state both individually and as a team.

When describing what keeps him motivated, Meeks said, “I always know that everyday I can get better.”

Akin described her motivation as “the little progress you see everyday.”

They can also agree that their family supports their decisions and goals.

“My mom is my biggest supporter,” Meeks said. Akin agreed and said, “[my family] was really proud of me when they found out.”

Cross country coach Mark Chipman said both Akin and Meeks are equally dedicated to school and cross country.

“They’re true student-athletes… [Akin and Meeks show] a lot of hard work and dedication,” Chipman said. “They show the same qualities in class as on the field.”

This is apparent in Meeks’ 4.125 GPA and 15th placing at the state meet and Akin’s 4.0 GPA and 16th placing at the state meet.

Akin said it took many sacrifices for her academic and athletic accomplishments. Meeks agreed and said they had to give up sleep for their studies, give up hours of free time, and train during the off-season to improve their running performance.

“I try to work as hard as I can,” Akin said. “It took a lot of practices but my teammates got me through it.”

“It definitely takes a lot more effort,” Meeks said.

Akin said although both school and cross country can be tough the effort required for each is different.

“In cross country, it’s all mental. You have to keep telling yourself to keep going,” Akin said. “But in school it’s different because you have teachers to support you.”

Activities director David Ewers said he is proud and inspired by Akin and Meeks.

“They’re very focused,” Ewers said. “We could all learn a lesson from them.”