Sometimes a person comes along that has potential greatness written all over them. That something special that Muhammed Ali, Elvis Presley, Ric Flair, and a select handful of others possessed. That something that let’s you know that you’re in the presence of someone who literally transcends whatever their field of endeavor happens to be. Folks, these type people seldom come along, and, if you read their biographies, you’ll find that most knew years before they hit it big that they would. They just had that sort of “air” about them. And folks, I believe I’ve discovered a young man who possesses that same quality. That hint of greatness waiting to be realized. The young man I’m referring to lives in Houston County, and his name is Derek Da Ron Winn.

Derek Da Ron Winn. The name itself has a rock star like quality to it, doesn‘t it? Derek’s a young man who’s just graduated from Houston County High School. A quick look at the senior quote in his yearbook says it all:

“175 pounds, pure athlete. SHHHHHHH!! Do you hear it? Greatness!”

Doesn’t that tell y’all something right there? Derek seems to be the kind of guy who knows he’s headed for the big time, and also knows that he has the goods to handle it. And then some.

At this point, some of y’all may be wondering why I’m so sure about Derek’s future? Well, I’ll tell you. One of the things the greats possess is the ability to take an everyday event and turn it into something magical. Derek has that ability. And here’s how I know he does.

Remember I stated earlier that Derek has just graduated from Houston County High School? Well, to graduate from high school you have to participate in the graduation ceremony. And folks, Derek just didn’t participate in this year’s graduation, he defined it for everyone in attendance. Defined it in front of a packed house. Defined it in a way that’ll be remembered for many years to come. And here’s what he did...

Any graduation starts with speeches, the principle, the valedictorian and the salutorian all give them. Some schools even involve more people than that. After they‘re done the kids all line up to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. And it was at this precise point in the graduation exercise that Derek Da Ron Winn crossed from mortality over into the realm of legend...

Y’all know that Derek had to be at the very back of the line with a last name like Winn. Imagine person after person after person walking across that stage and doing the exact same thing - walk across, smile, shake hands, receive diploma, exit the stage. If the truth be known, probably everyone in attendance was getting just a tad bored as this annual rite of passage took place. But then, it became time for Derek to walk that aisle. And folks, Derek showed the crowd just what he was made of at this point. As his name was called, Derek didn’t just stroll across the stage. Nope, what Derek did was step right to the front of the stage, unzip his robe, and reveal that he was wearing an exact replica of the World Heavyweight Championship wrestling belt! An exact copy of the belt that the Nature Boy Ric Flair wore for years. As soon as the crowd realized this it went absolutely crazy! People stood up and cheered, laughter rang out, there was pure mayhem afoot! But folks, Derek wasn’t through - he then proceeded to do the Ric Flair strut the rest of the way across the stage! The crowd literally was beside themselves at that point. By the time Derek walked off the stage, even the police guarding the building high-fived him as he strolled by, he had goosed ‘em all up that good.

Now folks, I’m not gonna say Derek didn’t get into any trouble on account of this episode. The school was none too happy about what he’d done, and that’s understandable, but I’ve been told that Derek has his diploma and is getting on with his life. So Derek, let me just say that my hat’s off to you. Something inside tells me that in some field, maybe sports, maybe entertainment, or maybe it’s something that I’m not even thinking of, that you’re going to make your mark. You’re going to excel, and you’re going to end up being something special. I have no doubt. The future is yours, Derek, now go out and make me right...