I’m always amazed, and a little envious, how some amazing folks can dedicate themselves to multiple endeavors at once. I usually have to stop myself wondering how they find the time for all the work they do — the simple answer is that they make time.

This trait I think is even more remarkable in young people who have to navigate school obligations, social lives and limits on their means of funding and transportation. It takes a lot of energy and drive to do what they do.

Take Harold James over at Sabine Pass. The senior is leading the Sharks’ basketball team in scoring thanks in part to his athleticism. He says his speed is his asset on the court because he can get in front of anybody. He also plays football and participates in track in high jump and relays, which I imagine go a long way toward helping him maintain that athleticism.

PNG’s Kenneth Muller plays soccer as well as basketball. Soccer is a sport that requires players to be keenly aware of what’s going on in the field at all times, he said. This is a skill that has carried over to basketball, which allows him to see the court in different ways, seeing things other players might not have seen, helping him find other players or open spots.

Amaree Abram will be starting back up with Memorial baseball once his obligations to the district-leading Titans’ basketball team has finished what may be a long postseason, if their 25-5 overall record is any indication.

Ava Wiltz is starting her high school years at Nederland with a plan to try everything. She ran cross country already, she played volleyball, is playing basketball right now, and will be playing softball now that the season is officially beginning. She maintains great grades while doing all of this. How does she do all of it?

“Sometimes, yes, it is hard, struggling to balance school and sports, but really it’s all the time management thing,” she said. “So you’ve got to cut off TVs and playing video games and just focus on schoolwork and sports — and throw in some hanging out with friends.”

Keep in mind, too, not every busy student is an athlete. Of course, there are lots of worthwhile activities beside sports that take just as much time, effort and dedication. I talk to many athletes in my professional life, but I knew and was once one of those that put in their time in other extracurricular activities.

There are only so many hours in a day, though. These young people squeeze as much effort out of these hours as they can. They probably enjoy being on the go, doing everything they can all the time. They may also at times feel stressed and overwhelmed by all of their obligations — they are human after all.

Lets try to keep them going as best as we can. Let’s support them in their activities, let them pursue their passions and let’s help them to keep up their school obligations while doing it. I think it’s only beneficial to do so, to help teach these students that putting forth effort leads to rewarding outcomes. That’s how great people are born, I think.

Let’s also encourage others who are hesitant to put themselves out there by letting them know they have a community behind them that supports them. There’s going to be a need for more great people in the future.

Brad Robichaux is a reporter for The Port Arthur News. He can be reached at brad.robichaux@panews.com.