Pleasant Home’s Josh O’Neal is a Class 1A Bryant-Jordan scholar athlete region winner.

O’Neal was selected as one of 16 winners that will travel to Birmingham in April to participate in the state competition. He earned the academic portion of the award.

“You have to be dedicated and keep your mind set,” O’Neal said about juggling playing a sport, or two sports in his case, and keeping your grades up. “You have to have time set apart for both of them, but you have to be committed to both at the same time.”

When asked if playing football and basketball while keeping his grades up can get hectic, O’Neal said it can at times.

“Most of the time it works out,” he said. “You have to find a way to manage both of them, and do the best of both the best you can.”

Getting recognized for his talent in the classroom has been a rewarding experience, he said.

“It makes you feel good about putting all of that effort in until it works out,” O’Neal said.

O’Neal also earned a Chancellor’s award to Troy University.

O’Neal is the son of Donna Lewis, and Dennis O’Neal.