WHITESBORO, Tex. -- Our A+ Athlete Scholarship Winner is Matt Burton of Whitesboro High School, a linebacker who tackles the books as well as ballcarriers.

“Dedicated,” “respectful,” and “ambitious,” are just a few words to describe Matt Burton. The Whitesboro senior is ranked in the top of his class with a current grade point average of 4.02.

It's not just in the classroom that Matt excels; it's on the track and on the field.

"Matt is a natural leader. A lot of the skills he possesses lend into that. He leads by example more than words," Whitesboro coach Eddie Gill says.

The middle linebacker has amassed more than 62 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, has three batted passes, caused four quarterback sacks and 16 rushed passers.

If that wasn't enough, he's qualified for the Region Two track meet in two separate events.

"I try to balance both things pretty well. I think I do a good job of getting work done and competing well," Matt says.

Matt says school comes first. He plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in chemistry so he can fulfill his dream of becoming an anesthesiologist.

Congratulations to Matt on being named our scholarship winner.

We want to say thank you to Card and Party Factory in Sherman for helping us out with the balloons for our winner.

That's a wrap for A+ Athlete this year! KXII-TV wants to say THANK YOU to all the teachers, coaches, and the fine student-athletes for participating in A+ Athlete in 2007-08.