I have a unique story to tell. It’s a story of pain, disappointment, hard work, perseverance, grace, love, hope, and most importantly answered prayers. You see I was a born with a stroke. For those of you who don’t know, a stroke is a when a part of your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, and effectively brain cells die. These brain cells can have significant effects depending on the portion of the brain this stoke effects. My stroke affected the right sided of my body. For me, I had very limited use of my right arm, right hand, right leg and right foot. This was first recognized by one of my physicians while I was learning to walk. At that point, most physicians felt I would never be able to run, ride a bike or swim. Competitive sports were definitely out of the question. It was at then that I set out on a lifelong journey of hard work and physical therapy to minimize the damage of this very limiting disability! When you’re young you really don’t feel different, even though you are. As I got a bit older, I noticed the strange posture of my hand, and my limp. I did everything I could to hide, but for those with an astute eye, it was noticeable. This continued to bother me, although I didn’t show it, I just tried to hide it. As I continued to grow older, I fell in love with all sports. Especially football and basketball. I’ll never know if this love of sports was a blessing or a curse, but I do know that it provided me the motivation to work, and the canvas for God to show “His Love” through my life. I also didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but an army of family and friends began to pray for “my miracle” as soon as the diagnosis was made. I can see now that the power of their prayers, worked to “push” me along even when I felt like stopping. The last 17 years have been filled with hard work, and a lot of disappointment. I’ve watched as others around me have easily performed athletic skills that took me hours and hours to develop. I watched as others started in front of me, as my “slower” right sided sometimes impeded by ability to perform at the highest level. You see my goal have always been to play high school basketball and football, and hopefully beyond. Despite my internal urgings I knew others felt those goals to be impossible. Back to answered prayers. My dream was to play high school basketball and football, and I have! This dream wasn’t an instantaneous miracle, but a miracle that took place over 17 years. A miracle filled with hard work, and hours of prayers by those who know me and love me the most. As a senior, I just finished my football season at Falcon High School. I’m not done working and praying for miracles! You see in many ways my story of answered prayer is unique, but the reality my story is everyone’s story. You all must look deep enough to see how he has answered your prayers, and you’ll see life’s miracles! Thank you for your time!

I have a unique story to tell. It’s a story of pain, disappointment, hard work, perseverance, grace, love, hope, and most importantly answered prayers. You see I was a born with a stroke and then developed epilepsy. I have spent a lot of time working to get my right side able to be able to play football and basketball in high school. A major issue I have seen in life is the rights of people with disabilities. Personal medical history has created empathy for those who struggle quietly with physical limitations, chronic conditions, or invisible challenges. The vision is to represent people who face discrimination because of their disabilities, or individuals blocked from public life by inaccessible buildings or systems. I would love to become a lawyer and take on cases that challenge unfair treatment, working with local disability centers and national advocacy groups, and providing pro bono legal help to people who cannot afford representation. By combining legal training with lived experience, the hope is to become the kind of advocate who not only understands the law but also understands the daily frustrations and fears that many clients face and then uses that understanding to fight for change. Youth crime is a clear problem in our community and I believe people should be rehabilitated just as I have had the chance to do in my life. I have been serving as Volunteer Chairman with Forge Evolution Teen Court has already shown how powerful restorative justice can be in changing lives. Sitting on a peer panel, listening to teens describe their mistakes, and helping design sentences like community service, educational classes, or mentoring has revealed that accountability and compassion can exist together. This experience will carry into college and beyond by staying involved in diversion programs, legal clinics, or community organizations that keep youth out of detention when possible. The goal is to become a lawyer who expands these opportunities advocating for policies and practices that focus on repair, responsibility, and growth instead of simply punishment. I feel that investing in the next generation with my time and talents would be an excellent way to pay it forward. I also have a huge desire to be part the FBI and work within our justice system for public safety, I see this as a way I can pay if forward to my country.

I have a unique story to tell. It’s a story of pain, disappointment, hard work, perseverance, grace, love, hope, and most importantly answered prayers. You see I was a born with a stroke. For those of you who don’t know, a stroke is a when a part of your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, and effectively brain cells die. These brain cells can have significant effects depending on the portion of the brain this stoke effects. My stroke affected the right sided of my body. For me, I had very limited use of my right arm, right hand, right leg and right foot. This was first recognized by one of my physicians while I was learning to walk. At that point, most physicians felt I would never be able to run, ride a bike or swim. Competitive sports were definitely out of the question. It was at then that I set out on a lifelong journey of hard work and physical therapy to minimize the damage of this very limiting disability! Paying it forward is something that I am truly dedicated to and have already started working on it in my extracurricular time. Surviving a stroke, living with epilepsy, and still pushing forward as a student‑athlete and leader have created a deep sense that the opportunities given are not just for personal success; they are meant to be used to help others. From the football field to Teen Court to international mission trips, each of these experiences has taught that real success is measured by how much others are lifted up, especially those who are hurting, overlooked, or in need of a second chance. One of the clearest ways to pay it forward is through ongoing work with youth in the justice system. Serving as Volunteer Chairman with Forge Evolution Teen Court has already shown how powerful restorative justice can be in changing lives. Sitting on a peer panel, listening to teens describe their mistakes, and helping design sentences like community service, educational classes, or mentoring has revealed that accountability and compassion can exist together. Creating connection is so important to me by championing the rights of people with disabilities. Personal medical history has created empathy for those who struggle quietly with physical limitations, chronic conditions, or invisible challenges. Serving people with disabilities through Tim Tebow's, "Night to Shine" made me more empathetic, being able to see the struggles that others also persevere through on a daily basis. Also participating in international missions in Uganda and Guatemala, working with orphans and supporting medical clinics in rural communities, have widened my views of need and injustice, and how to bring out communities together with inclusion despite our very different cultures, there is still a calling to love and include. Sports are also powerful tools for paying it forward. As a four‑year starting quarterback and point guard, is more than calling plays; it is about modeling resilience, encouraging teammates, and making sure people belong and are included on the team for who they are as a person. Ultimately, kindness in action and connections to others means letting every part of this story become fuel for service.

I have a unique story to tell. It’s a story of pain, disappointment, hard work, perseverance, grace, love, hope, and most importantly answered prayers. You see I was a born with a stroke. For those of you who don’t know, a stroke is a when a part of your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, and effectively brain cells die. These brain cells can have significant effects depending on the portion of the brain this stoke effects. My stroke affected the right sided of my body. For me, I had very limited use of my right arm, right hand, right leg and right foot. This was first recognized by one of my physicians while I was learning to walk. At that point, most physicians felt I would never be able to run, ride a bike or swim. Competitive sports were definitely out of the question. It was at then that I set out on a lifelong journey of hard work and physical therapy to minimize the damage of this very limiting disability! When you’re young you really don’t feel different, even though you are. As I got a bit older, I noticed the strange posture of my hand, and my limp. I did everything I could to hide, but for those with an astute eye, it was noticeable. This continued to bother me, although I didn’t show it, I just tried to hide it. As I continued to grow older, I fell in love with all sports. Especially football and basketball. I’ll never know if this love of sports was a blessing or a curse, but I do know that it provided me the motivation to work, and the canvas for God to show “His Love” through my life. I also didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but an army of family and friends began to pray for “my miracle” as soon as the diagnosis was made. I can see now that the power of their prayers, worked to “push” me along even when I felt like stopping. The last 17 years have been filled with hard work, and a lot of disappointment. I’ve watched as others around me have easily performed athletic skills that took me much longer. My freshman year of high school I had my first seizure on a basketball game trip. I was diagnosed with epilepsy due to my stroke and I had to adjust to new medications, looking for triggers, sleeping more scheduled, driving restriction (luckily, I have some great friends that drove me), injuries to my face from falling due to a seizure, anxiety of not wanting to have a seizure at school. Back to answered prayers. My dream was to play high school basketball and football, and I have. I’ve been blessed to play both sports for Falcon High. You see in many ways my story of answered prayer is unique, but the reality my story is everyone’s story. You all must look deep enough to see how He has answered your prayers, and you’ll see life’s miracle! My next goal is to be able to go to college and to have minimal debt at graduation. Paying it forward is something that I am truly dedicated to and have already started working on it in my extracurricular time. My life lessons are to be used to help others. From the football field to Teen Court to international mission trips, each of these experiences has taught that real success is measured by how much others are lifted up, especially those who are hurting, overlooked, or in need of a second chance.