A Rochester middle schooler was awarded Monday for his outstanding progress in literacy and personal growth.  

East Lower School seventh grader, Kollin McCullough is one of 16 students across the nation to be named a 2019 National 180 Student Award winner.

The school has made it a mission to improve student’s growth in reading through the READ 180 intervention program. McCullough says he’s reading more than ever over the last year. While he has big dreams, he says school comes first. 

“I love basketball, I train 24/7 on it and before I do basketball I always read," McCullough said. "I start to do my homework and basketball comes second. I’m a student athlete.” 

McCullough dreams of attending North Carolina State and becoming an architect.