Staff Photo by Laura-Chase McGehee/Chattanooga Times Free Press/ Jan 13, 2011 - Barron Ammons II, 11, cq, sits in his Chattanooga home, where he is home schooled, surrounded by trophies and awards for his countless accomplishments. Ammons has studied three languages, served as delegate for the G-12 international conference, and this year will represent Chattanooga as a student ambassador to Normandy, France, and Britain for People to People. He was also the caption of his championship football team last November, plays rums at church, swims competitively for the Scenic City Swim Team, writes songs, dances, and served as a page at the state capitol in 2010, representing Hamilton County.Under the weight of so many medals, it's surprising that Baron Ammons II can hold up his head, much less smile.
Baron, 11, was named the Most Valuable Player for the East Brainerd Patriots, the team he led last year to an age-group championship in the Scenic City Football League. Baron also regularly places first in his age group swimming for the Scenic City Aquatic Club and as a member of the Ooltewah Tidal Waves.
Baron isn't shy about his success or his desire to come out on top.
"I'm really competitive," he said. "I don't like to lose. That's why I work hard.
"I'm not trying to sound cocky; I just haven't found anything I'm bad at. Everything I do, I excel at."
His coaches said that his confidence and motivation are key to his success.
When Scenic City Aquatic Club assistant swim coach Jason Meszaros began working with him three years ago, he said Baron was a raw talent. In a relatively short amount of time, he honed his technique and is now one of the top swimmers in the region, even after graduating into an older age group this year, Meszaros said.
"For him to go in 18 months from not knowing how to make it across to the pool to being in the Southeastern championship is not common," Meszaros said. "He's very driven."
Baron's athletic prowess is only one characteristic that makes him stand out, said Chris McGill, who served as Baron's offensive coordinator during last year's football season.
On the field, even though he may be smaller than many of the other players, Baron earned his teammates' respect, McGill said.
"To say that kid is amazing would be an understatement," he said. "The other players were responding to his instruction and leadership on the field. That says a lot."
Baron is just as driven academically. With his eyes set on attending Harvard University, he has pushed himself to excel in an accelerated home-school curriculum and is studying French, Spanish and Chinese to help facilitate international travel, another one of his passions.
So far, he has made international excursions with his parents, Baron and Pamela Ammons, to Mexico, Aruba, the Bahamas and Colombia.
In November, Baron was accepted into People to People Ambassador Programs, which will send him to France and the United Kingdom for an extended visit in July.
Baron said he wants to become a real-estate developer.
Contact Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6205.