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In the book The Highest Stand, by Tonie Campbell, an Olympian, Dede Savage, is reminiscing on his past. As he entered the Olympic Stadium, he frequently reminded himself of all the wrong choices he has made in his past. His friends forgave him, but that wasn’t enough for Dede. At college, Dede started training with the goal of breaking the college record for track. Eight years later, Dede wins the gold medal for hurdling in the Olympics. As he struggles with trying to keep his popularity, Dede learns that friendship is more meaningful than popularity.
Dede enters the Olympic Stadium for a hurdling competition. While he’s getting ready for the race, he reminisces to the past of how he used to be a nerd, but slowly became popular. The inspirational words of an Olympic athlete made him realize that no one should stand in the way of what you want. These words gave Dede the courage Dede needed to stand up to the bullies. Since Dede stood up to the bullies, he slowly became popular. He decided that popularity meant more to him than his old friends so he befriended them. Rosa, a girl Dede likes, says she’s not happy with the choice he makes. Since then, Dede only thought about how he had hurt his best friends.
When Dede was in high school, he got kicked off the track team since his grades were declining. After that, Dede decides to become a nerd for his old friends. Rosa and his friends accept his apology and Rosa begins to tutor Dede to get him back on track. Eventually, Dede is confident with himself again and he tries out for track and makes it. Without Rosa's knowledge and encouragement, Dede could have never pulled it off.
Apparently, Dede goes to college for track. When he gets there he beats the college track record. Due to Dede’s amazing skills, the Olympic track team tests him and he gets accepted. A tragedy happened and Dede breaks his leg and can’t play in the Olympics until eight years later. Dede pities himself of how he lost a chance to win the Olympics.
Dede comes back when he is 31 years old. Dede pulls his hamstring. Even though he is in an abundance of pain, he perseveres himself to keep running. Dede crosses the finish line at first place. He smiles thinking of his win. Dede’s parents cry with tears of joy. Dede has never had so much pride in his life.
Dede learns that friendship is more profitable than being popular. He learned this lesson from neglecting his friends but realizing that when he was popular no one was really his “Friends.” I learned that perseverance is the key to succeeding in life. Dede won the race only because perseverance was assisting him. Dede never gave up even though he was in pain. While Dede was standing up on the first place podium, he thought to himself, ”Dreams do come true.”

Posted by Mrs. Abrams