Lakeland High’s Travis Derrick impresses all with his positive attitude
Lakeland High School senior Travis Derrick has been a multi-sport athlete and an outstanding student, but what stands out to those who know him is his positive attitude and humility.
Basketball coach Dave Stockwell puts it this way: “Travis’ tremendous work ethic and positive, team-first attitude make him a perfect teammate.”
A brief conversation with Travis reveals quickly why Stockwell feels that way.
“I’ve never tried to be the big man on campus,” he said. “I watched my brother Tyrel (a former North Idaho Male Athlete of the Year) always shape his teammates’ attitudes in a way that would help the team. He was very humble, and his attitude helped me to never think that I was bigger than who I was.
“In the grand scheme of things, what matters most is the type of person you are and how you treat people. Everything is bigger than one person,” he said.
Travis’ father Trent Derrick is the long-time principal at Lakeland (and recused himself from his son’s selection), and Travis has been around the school and many faculty members since long before his high school career began.
“It’s been neat to have him there,” Travis said. “My family is very close; they’re my best friends. My mom was my third- and fourth-grade teacher, so I’ve grown up with a parent in the building. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m lucky to be where my dad is. I’m going to miss that next year.”
Derrick will attend Lewis-Clark State College in the fall, like four previous generations of Derricks. He plans to major in accounting, with hopes of becoming a forensic accountant. As for athletics, he said that he has concluded that chapter in his life.
It wasn’t just sports, though, that made high school meaningful for Travis.
“I’ve really enjoyed my teachers, and I love being in an environment of learning. I like to find my own way. It’s not always the customary way, but I like to think through problems. I took physics this year, and it wasn’t easy, but I enjoyed the process.
“More than anything, sports gave me a sense of community,” he said. “I’m kind of an introvert, and I really needed camaraderie and connection. I’m not a great people person, so the relationships with my teammates were important. I really appreciate what my coaches gave me, and it was great after school to go out to practice every day and let loose.”
Derrick played football and basketball for all four years at Lakeland, and also participated in golf for his freshman and sophomore years, track and field as a junior, and was planning to play tennis as a senior before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the spring season.
He says that he has tried to be a role model for younger students, stay close to his faith, “do the right thing in the right way.”