Many kids today are glued to a phone or video games, but Mayo eighth grader Harrison Hayes breaks that mold daily with his love of running, playing music and hanging with his friends.

At Mayo, Hayes is involved with 10 different extracurricular activities including track, band, choir, drama, National Junior Honor Society and many more but there are two that he loves the most.

“I like to run, a lot,” said Hayes. “Oh, I love playing music because I play a lot of instruments.”

His instruments include alto sax, ukulele, bass and some guitar.

“I am learning the guitar,” Hayes said. “I want to play as much as I can.”

Hayes also enjoys singing and continuously shows off his skills in the school musicals.

“I played young Simba in the “Lion King” and loved it,” Hayes said. “This time I am playing Troy Bolton in “High School Musical.’”

When Hayes is not in school, running or playing music he can be found hanging out with his friends being a typical teenager.

There is one thing he does not like about school.

“I don’t like homework,” Hayes said. “Not because I can’t do it, but because I am so busy. I have to make time for it.”

Hayes will receive his eighth-grade promotion and is looking forward to high school next year.

“I believe there is more opportunity, and I am ready for that freedom,” said Hayes. “Also, the band and choir are really good.”

For now, Hayes is living life one day at a time.

“After high school, I am not sure where I want to go,” said Hayes. “I do want to go to college but not sure where, but it will hopefully be for something musically related.”