When Jayden Alston graduates Upper Darby High School June 10, he will have acceptance letters from at least 20 colleges and access to $1.4 million in merit scholarships, reports KYW via CNN Newsource.

The high school track star has pushed himself to turn his life around after once struggling academically.

Track gave the Upper Darby High senior the ability to overcome his hurdles.

“It taught me discipline and a hard work ethic, and it taught me that I need to strive to do more and become a better person,” Jayden said.

Though Alston pushes himself, it hasn’t always been easy.

He had a hard time paying attention in elementary school and was failing most of his classes.  Those low grades put him into special education classes.

Alston turned things around in eighth grade, with the support of his parents, teachers and mentors.  Alston studied harder and made honor roll every semester of high school.

Track coach Kelsey Bierling has seen the difference.

“He just blossomed over the last three years and it’s just been so nice to see,” said coach Kelsey Bierling.

He plans to study business at West Chester University.

Read more about Jayden Alston’s journey toward academic success at KYW.