"The ball has magic,” I repeat those four words to myself each time I take the court. I remember hearing Coach Jordan speaking those words at my basketball workouts. During our time together, Jordan would push me to become a better basketball player and find the magic that the ball possessed. I never could have imagined the influence those workouts and words of wisdom would have on various aspects of life. I met Coach Jordan and his family shortly after being cut from the seventh-grade basketball team. When I showed up at his gym, I was a frustrated player. More than that, I was an angry kid. Two years prior, I had lost my father and threw myself into basketball, to remain connected to him. I struggled to find a team or coach that understood me. That all changed when I met Coach Jordan. He saw in me something that others often overlooked, potential. During our months together, Jordan would push me to be my best, on and off the court. Coach Jordan recognized the mental struggles that stood in the way of my success. He had a gift for weaving life lessons into our weekly workouts. Jordan’s influence did not stop at practice. When I started a small cupcake business, he was one of the first people to place an order. He did not stop there. He utilized the power of his social media following to promote my business and generate business. His belief in my ability to succeed in any endeavor was the motivation I needed to ignite my belief in myself. Looking back, I now recognize that not earning a spot on the seventh-grade team and learning to persevere through that experience was a more notable accomplishment than I had understood. Coach Jordan was beside me through the entire experience, to teach and push me as I encountered various obstacles trying to reach my goal. Lessons in rejection, goal setting, follow-through, self-reflection, humility, teamwork, and respect were all part of the journey. They were not always easy, but Coach’s honest direction helped me through and shaped the person I am today. I can honestly say that Coach Jordan may have been the only person more excited than myself when I found my name on the roster for the eighth-grade team. Like Coach Sutton, Coach Jordan utilized his gifts to change lives and leave a lasting impression. My life has forever been changed because of the wisdom and time he was willing to pour into me. The lessons and skills I learned from Jordan, will carry me beyond the basketball court. I hope to be able to do the same for others.

“I don’t care if this will make me stronger!” Over the years, I have lost track of how many times I responded to my mother with that phrase. She insisted that each obstacle I faced would make me stronger and better equipped to face harder challenges in life. There was a period where I felt as though I was constantly fighting an uphill battle. At one point in my life, I thought that adversity might be my middle name. In time, I would come to appreciate the lesson my mom was trying to teach me. I was diagnosed as being on the Autism spectrum when I was in elementary school. During my younger years, learning and building relationships were a struggle for me. I found that material which my peers were easily mastering, required more effort and practice on my part. Over time, I came to accept the fact that because of the way my brain worked, I would have to put in more time and practice if I wanted to have the same success as my classmates. As time went by, I found the systems and strategies that would help provide the support I needed to be successful. Then I had the opportunity to tour our local vo-tech school. Entering their culinary program changed my vision for my future. I found an educational approach that placed my hands-on learning style at the center of my training. For the first time in a long time, I enjoyed being at school and learning. I did not have to stress about keeping up with my peers in the traditional academic environment or finding a new technique to master the material. In this setting, I was able to shine. The success I found in my program gave me the confidence I needed to investigate trade schools to further my education after high school. I long believed that I would go straight to the workforce because I was not certain that I could manage the rigor of college. Attending vo-tech showed me that college is not the only path. Many trades are in demand that need enthusiastic and skilled workers. I am looking forward to being one of those who step up to fill those positions.

“I don’t care if this will make me stronger!” Over the years, I have lost track of how many times I responded to my mother with that phrase. She insisted that each obstacle I faced would make me stronger and better equipped to face harder challenges in life. There was a period where I felt as though I was constantly fighting an uphill battle. At one point in my life, I thought that adversity might be my middle name. In time, I would come to appreciate the lesson my mom was trying to teach me. I was diagnosed as being on the Autism spectrum when I was in elementary school. During my younger years, learning and building relationships were a struggle for me. I found that material which my peers were easily mastering, required more effort and practice on my part. Over time, I came to accept the fact that because of the way my brain worked, I would have to put in more time and practice if I wanted to have the same success as my classmates. As time went by, I found the systems and strategies that would help provide the support I needed to be successful. My learning disability has certainly been a struggle. However, my greatest challenge would come in December of 2016 when I lost my dad at the age of ten. The grief and loneliness quickly consumed my world. It was during this trial that I found my passion for cooking. My father and I had spent countless hours in the kitchen together. He enjoyed creating meals and teaching me what he knew. After his passing, cooking allowed me to process my grief while maintaining a connection to him. I quickly found joy and comfort in the kitchen. A year later, I started a cupcake business to earn money for a pair of basketball shoes after my mom would not buy them for me. Within weeks, I earned enough to purchase those sneakers, and my dream of becoming a chef was born. I know the obstacles I have faced in my young life have laid the foundation that I need to be successful and overcome any obstacles I might encounter on my journey. Over the years, I have learned how to approach complications and break them down into manageable steps. My disability has taught me the importance of being willing to work harder for the things that I genuinely want to achieve. In the fall, I plan to enter a culinary program to advance my skills as a trained chef. It is my greatest desire to share the joy and healing that food can bring to people. Where I used to find frustration with my obstacles, I now have an appreciation and understanding of their benefits. I realize that the experiences of my life are shaping me into the man and chef I wish to be in the future.

My late father taught me that service can be a powerful catalyst for change, providing a platform to connect with others, develop empathy, and make a meaningful impact. I have participated in various initiatives, such as mission trips, Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine, and our community clean-up days. One of the most profound experiences in my community service journey has been my involvement in our local meal ministry. The community meal ministry is of special importance to me. It was an idea that my parents brought to life with the help of our church. This initiative was not like other meal ministries. It aimed to address the needs of those facing food insecurity in our community while providing them with a family-style meal and companionship. I am fortunate to have been part of this program since its inception. I first started helping at the age of eight with setting the tables and joining my parents in sharing a meal and dinner conversation with our guests. We quickly saw the meal grow from serving fifty-seven individuals from the first meal to over one hundred neighborhood members. The meal became a way to not only provide a meal to those who were hungry but also to provide companionship to those who were lonely. My father passed away two years after the meal ministry started. I found that continuing to volunteer helped to advance my father’s vision for the meal ministry while simultaneously healing my grief. There have been a few changes to the meal since he was involved. COVID forced us to move from a family-style meal to a carry-out meal program. My father thought it was important that all guests felt valued and seen when they joined us at the table. As I now help serve meals, I share in conversation with those who pick up their meal in an attempt to keep that core value alive even though the tables are gone. As I have volunteered, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a warm meal. Beyond nourishing the body, it became evident that these meals were also nourishing the spirits of those who received them. Conversations flourished, and a sense of community blossomed as we shared stories and connected on a human level. The impact of a simple meal extended far beyond its immediate consumption, fostering a sense of belonging and support. The meal ministry not only addressed the immediate needs of those who attended, but has sown the seeds of lasting connections, empathy, and positive change among all those involved. Especially me. Through this service, I have come to appreciate the transformative power of compassion and the profound impact that individuals, united in purpose, can have on the well-being of their community.

In the realm of television, few series have captured the hearts and minds of viewers as profoundly as "The Walking Dead." This post-apocalyptic drama, based on Robert Kirkman's comic book series of the same name, has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2010. With its compelling characters, intricate storytelling, and exploration of the human condition in the face of a zombie apocalypse, "The Walking Dead" stands out as a must-watch for audiences seeking more than just a typical horror series. One of the defining features of "The Walking Dead" is its masterful character development. As survivors navigate a world overrun by the undead, their individual arcs provide a rich and layered narrative. You witness the transformation of characters like Rick Grimes, from a small-town sheriff to a hardened leader grappling with the moral complexities of survival. The show explores the fragility of human relationships in the face of adversity, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. At its core, "The Walking Dead" is more than a tale of survival; it is a reflection on morality and the human capacity for both good and evil. The series delves into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, forcing them to make choices that challenge conventional notions of right and wrong. As viewers, we are prompted to question our own ethical boundaries and contemplate how we might navigate similar situations. The show invites us to reflect on the thin line between civilization and chaos, prompting discussions about the nature of morality in extreme circumstances. Beyond its entertaining plot and character dynamics, "The Walking Dead" serves as a thought-provoking social commentary. By portraying a world where societal structures have crumbled, the show explores themes of power, governance, and the fragility of civilization. It prompts viewers to consider the implications of such a breakdown and raises questions about the inherent nature of humanity when societal norms are stripped away. This social exploration adds depth to the series, elevating it beyond the confines of a typical zombie apocalypse narrative. "The Walking Dead" excels in crafting a suspenseful and engaging storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The constant threat of zombie encounters and the unpredictability of human interactions create an atmosphere of tension and excitement. The series consistently delivers unexpected twists and turns, challenging both characters and viewers to confront the unpredictable nature of the post-apocalyptic world. This element of surprise, coupled with the emotional investment in the characters, makes for a compelling viewing experience. In summary, "The Walking Dead" transcends its genre, offering viewers a multi-faceted experience that combines character depth, moral exploration, social commentary, and thrilling storytelling. Its ability to resonate with audiences on a profound level, coupled with its cultural impact, makes it a series worth watching. As we follow the survivors through the ups and downs of the post-apocalyptic world, we are not merely spectators; we become part of a larger conversation about humanity, morality, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. So, if you haven't embarked on this gripping journey yet, it's time to join the ranks of "The Walking Dead" enthusiasts and experience the emotional and intellectual richness that awaits within this captivating series.

"The ball has magic,” I repeat this phrase to myself anytime I take the court. This is a phrase Coach Jordan would share during basketball workouts, along with all the magical things his father told him the ball could do for you. During our time together, Jordan helped me become a better basketball player and find the magic that the ball possessed. Little would I know that my basketball lesson would leave an impression on my life. I met Coach Jordan and his family shortly after being cut from the seventh-grade basketball team. When I showed up at his gym, I was a frustrated player and an angry kid. I had lost my father two years prior and threw myself into basketball to help keep me connected to him. I struggled to find a team or coach that understood me. That all changed with Coach J. Jordan saw in me something that others often overlooked, potential. During our months together, Jordan would push me to be my best, on and off the court. Jordan’s influence didn’t stop at practice. When I started a small cupcake business, he was one of the first people to place an order. He even went as far as creating a post and sharing it on his business’s social media page to generate more business for me. His belief in my ability to succeed in any endeavor was the motivator I needed to ignite my belief in myself. Making the 8th-grade team was one of the most significant accomplishments of my young life. Being cut in 7th grade and learning to persevere through that challenge was a much more notable challenge and accomplishment. Coach Jordan was beside me through that entire experience to teach and push me as I encountered various obstacles trying to reach my goal. Lessons in rejection, goal-setting, follow-through, self-reflection, humility, teamwork, and respect were all part of the journey. They weren’t always easy, but Coach’s honest direction helped me through and shaped the person I am today. Coach Sutton, like Coach Jordan, utilized his gifts to change lives and leave a lasting impression. I may only be 17 years old, but I try to make an impression in the lives of others. It is a lesson my father instilled in me from a young age. Much of his life was spent waiting for a lung transplant. Many people had helped raise money to assist with medical bills and transportation costs. There is never any way to repay all those people. Instead, I live each day looking for a way to pay it forward and help others. I spend my free time helping with a local meal ministry. My favorite part of the experience is meeting with the visitors and attempting to make them smile and take their minds off the things that worry them, even if it’s only for a short time.

The dream version of myself is a man that has accomplished his dream of becoming a chef and is in a position to give back to the community and help others so that they might one day be able to do the same.

“What is all of that?” The tone of my mother’s voice quickly piqued my interest as I eagerly pushed past her to see what had caught her attention. On my bed was a pile of small gifts, two balloons, and an envelope that housed a note that would forever change the meaning of Disney in my eyes. My mother and I visited Disney in the Summer of 2018 to place a check on my late father’s bucket list. While awaiting a lung transplant, he had compiled a list of what he wanted to accomplish with his family when he had a new lease on life. At the top of that list was a family trip to Disney, something that he nor my mother ever got to experience as children. When he passed, my mother thought it might help us manage our grief if we worked through his bucket list. The introduction to a small tradition that occurs during check-in would become my favorite thing about Disney. During that time, I received my “Celebration” pin. I did not realize, at the time, what an impact this small button would have on my trip. On that button was written “bucket list.” I wore that pin proudly everywhere we went. I shared my story with all the wonderful people at Disney each time they asked about my bucketlist. One of these encounters was especially meaningful. It came during breakfast when the server struck up a conversation. My mom recounted the story of my dad’s list. At one point, the server began to cry as she learned how we had specifically picked this week because his birthday would have been Thursday. When breakfast ended, she returned with a pastry to help us celebrate his birthday when the day arrived. That encounter brings us to the surprise that awaited us in our room. Its delivery came on my father’s birthday. I’m seated next to my mother as she reads the note. It read, “We wanted to celebrate his bucket list with you, too! From all of us here, we hope your stay is so Magical!! “- Wilderness Lodge Family. Instantly, we are both moved to tears by this unbelievable gesture of kindness. The grief had consumed our world for a long time before this trip. I had often felt as though no one noticed me, my pain, or my longing for my father. That all changed with my “celebration” button. It allowed me to connect with others and feel seen. Disney’s celebration buttons allowed me to share my father, my love for him, and our celebration of his life through his list. I am sure that I am not alone in that feeling.