Costa Mesa High School:

Antwon Byrd

Being the fastest kid in school might have gone to some students’ heads, but not Antwon Byrd’s — he is just looking forward to new competition when he starts at OCC.

The 18-year-old track star is graduating from Costa Mesa High School today with mixed feelings. He said he is sad to be leaving behind lifelong friends, but ready for the next step in his journey.

“I’m excited, but a little scared in a way about the transition,” Antwon said. “I guess a new chapter is starting and I’m one step closer to being in a career I want to be in.”

While that next step brings Antwon into a whole new pool of runners, he is most excited about becoming a pastor — a new career choice for him.

Antwon said he didn’t grow up going to church and just made the decision to get baptized last summer after he started attending Harbor Trinity Baptist Church in Costa Mesa in his junior year.

“At times I feel a little reluctant about doing it,” he said. “There is always doubt when you do something like this … but the spirit comes and takes over.”

While he didn’t grow up in church, he said his mom is a “religious freak” who instilled a heavy set of morals and beliefs in him as a kid. When he told her his life’s ambition, he said she was surprised.

“It touched her heart. She has always been very religious in her own way, and to see it rubbed off on me — she was proud,” he said.

One way Antwon said he can get his message out is through music. He started playing the bass guitar three years ago and now plays in his youth group’s band.

— Britney Barnes